Latest modern slavery fight updates - FreedomUnited.org

Where is the UK’s New Anti-Slavery Chief?

  • Published on
    December 12, 2018
  • News Source Image
  • Category:
    Anti-Slavery Activists, Law & Policy
Hero Banner

The UK’s anti-slavery commissioner, Kevin Hyland, resigned seven months ago, citing government interference in his post.

Today, the UK is seemingly no closer to finding his replacement, and the absence of an anti-slavery chief is severely inhibiting Britain from fighting modern slavery.

Without someone in this post, the commissioner’s seven-staff office are not fully able to advance Britain’s anti-slavery strategy or hold the government to account.

“The office has been thwarted (by the delay)… totally prevented from doing new work, taking the next steps on existing projects, and keeping up pressure on the government,” said a former staffer who worked under Hyland.

Thomson Reuters Foundation reports:

The former staffer said the team had stalled in efforts to push for better support to slavery victims and improve a legal requirement for big firms to report their anti-slavery measures.

The Home Office (interior ministry) has advertised twice to replace Hyland – offering a three-year contract with a salary of up to 140,000 pounds ($178,192) – according to the two sources who said they expected an appointment in the coming months.

A statement from the Home Office echoed that assessment.

“A recruitment campaign is currently underway and we look forward to appointing Kevin Hyland’s successor in the new year,” the ministry said in an emailed statement, adding that work against slavery is continuing without a commissioner in place.

Hyland says the current job advertisement for his old post has red flags all over it.

“The job advert says the commissioner should report to the Home Office. That was never intended by parliament and it goes against what was set out in the Modern Slavery Act,” he said, adding that the commissioner should report to parliament.

Another source called the delay in replacing Hyland “ridiculous,” stressing that “if there was political will, things would move quickly.”

Subscribe

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

This week

Haiti’s children are being forcibly recruited into violent gangs

Haiti's escalating gang violence is having a devastating impact on its most vulnerable citizens—children. Armed groups are increasingly recruiting boys and girls, offering them basic survival needs in exchange for their lives and freedom. According to a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), children are being lured into these violent organizations under the guise of protection and sustenance, but what follows is a life of exploitation that can only

| Wednesday October 9, 2024

Read more