“He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4: 18-19)
What is Anti-Slavery Week?
Anti-Slavery Week is an important opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking and Modern Slavery, and to encourage friends, family, colleagues, businesses and governments to do what they can to prevent it and protect victims.
Why does this matter for the Church?
Anti-Slavery Week aligns deeply with the Church’s teaching on the inherent dignity of every human person, created in the image of God, giving us an opportunity to reflect on our faith’s call to uphold the dignity of every human being. Modern Slavery and human trafficking deny people their God-given freedom; by observing Anti-Slavery Week, we can stand against all forms of exploitation and live out the Gospel mandate to love our neighbour and to work for a world where all can live in freedom and dignity.
The Catechism of the Church condemns the enslavement of human beings, stating: “It is a sin against the dignity of persons and their fundamental rights to reduce them by violence to their productive value or to a source of profit.”
Pope Francis called the faithful to action “…to mobilise all our resources in combatting trafficking and restoring full dignity to those who have been its victims,” warning that: “If we close our eyes and ears, if we do nothing, we will be guilty of complicity.”
Justice and human dignity have been a central focus for this Jubilee year, with Modern Slavery one of the six key Jubilee themes designated by Pope Francis. Catholics and all people of goodwill are urged to do their part – both in their local communities and in wider national campaigns – to combat the exploitation of vulnerable people and to provide support and welcome for those who have been exploited.
Catholic Social Teaching inspires the Medaille Trust, an amazing organisation working to restore dignity, empowerment and the first steps towards a new life. Bishop Paul McAleenan, lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees, met with survivors of trafficking and Modern Slavery supported by the Medaille Trust, and heard first hand of the difficulties facing them in the UK to be recognised and supported to rebuild their lives. Reflecting on the visit Bishop Paul said:
“It was evident that the resilience of survivors is a powerful reminder that hope cannot be silenced… We must stay vigilant, continue to broaden our knowledge to ensure that efforts to combat the issue do not cease.”
What is the scale of the problem?
Ten years ago, the Modern Slavery Act was introduced, with the aim of protecting the most vulnerable and ending exploitation. A decade on, and Modern Slavery sadly remains a devastating problem: a hidden crime, happening on our streets and in our communities.
It is estimated that there are more than 120,000 victims living in the UK today; that is the equivalent of the entire population of Exeter. In 2024, a record 19,125 potential victims were identified and referred into the official National Referral Mechanism (the framework tasked with recording and assessing people reported to be victims of Modern Slavery).
For many survivors, identification is only the start of a long process, with major challenges including finding access to safe and secure employment, safe housing, access to high quality healthcare to address their trauma, and integration and welcome into society.
What can I do?
Find out how to Spot the Signs of Modern Slavery and how to report your concerns. Caritas has produced a poster: ask to display this in your parish.
Diocese of Plymouth Parish Safeguarding Reps have contact cards with useful numbers to call for help or to report concerns.
Invite Caritas to talk to your parish about Modern Slavery.
Hold a parish reflection on Modern Slavery.
Support local charities and national campaigns to raise awareness and call for action to protect victims of human trafficking and Modern Slavery.
Be an ethical consumer; explore https://thegoodshoppingguide.com.
Pray for victims of human trafficking and Modern Slavery.
Contact Alex Miranda, Caritas Diocese of Plymouth Refugee & Migration Project Lead for more details caritas@prcdtr.org.uk