Modern slavery guidance launched

A guide to tackling modern slavery for Councils has been launched by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA).

In conjunction with the Northern Ireland Strategic Migration Partnership, the Department of Justice and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, the guide, ‘Tackling Modern Slavery: Guide for Councils’ reflects the regionally specific needs of Northern Ireland in the development and implementation of UK immigration policy.

Speaking about the launch of the guide, NILGA’s President and Clogher Valley councillor, Frances Burton, said: “Modern slavery and human trafficking are a scourge on our society, destroying lives and our local communities.

“Local government can help and will help to address this abuse. As NILGA President, I welcome the development and application of this valuable guidance.

“It provides clarity for all councils on how they might anticipate and tackle modern slavery through their day to day operations, as well as actively engaging at policy levels with this issue as public facing elected members and officers.

“Modern slavery and human trafficking are happening daily in Northern Ireland. We must act now to report and stop these crimes at every opportunity.”

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton welcomed the guide’s publication.

“Modern slavery is a shocking crime, devastating the lives of men, women and children right here on our streets and in our local communities,” said Dame Thornton.

“We must all work together to tackle and prevent this scourge and nowhere is partnership working more important than across and within local authorities and councils.

“This guide provides an essential handbook for all councils in Northern Ireland, equipping council personnel and their partners to identify, signpost and support victims of modern slavery.”

Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA, said she “fully endorsed” the publication.

“It is utterly intolerable that slavery, in any form, is happening in Northern Ireland,” said the Justice Minister.

“Traffickers prey on the most vulnerable people in society. They exploit their victims to coerce and trap them against their will into prostitution, forced labour and criminality.

“Modern slavery is often referred to as the crime which is hidden in plain sight. Council workers can play a vital role, through their daily work, to detect indicators of slavery and human trafficking and, through greater awareness, feel more confident to report the signs.

“I fully endorse this guidance and welcome the ongoing collaboration between NILGA, my Department and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s Office in the production of this valuable guidance.”

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