UK government takes action to tackle modern slavery backlog amidst global crisis

The UK government has announced the recruitment of 200 additional Home Office staff to address a backlog of 23,300 modern slavery cases.

This move aims to provide timely relief to thousands of men, women, and children who have endured traumatic sexual, physical, and economic abuse. Officials hope to resolve these cases within two years, offering victims clarity to support their recovery process, reported Reuters.

Victims of modern slavery in the UK currently face lengthy delays in having their status confirmed through the national referral mechanism, often leading to extended periods of uncertainty and mental distress. Minister for Safeguarding, Jess Phillips, emphasized that survivors of modern slavery have not received the necessary attention and support, but the government’s new efforts will prioritize their needs and help eliminate the case backlog.

According to the International Labour Organisation, around 50 million people globally were living in modern slavery as of 2021, with 28 million in forced labor and 22 million trapped in forced marriages.

The rise in modern slavery has been significant over the past decade, with 10 million more victims recorded in 2021 compared to 2016. Vulnerable groups such as women and children continue to be disproportionately affected.

Modern slavery exists across almost every country, cutting through ethnic, cultural, and religious divides. Surprisingly, over half of all forced labor and a quarter of forced marriages are found in upper-middle-income or high-income nations, highlighting the widespread nature of this global crisis.