One request ahead of crowds taking to streets to protest
A simple request has been made ahead of hundreds taking to the streets of Liverpool to protest. The A21 Walk For Freedom is returning to the city as those involved aim to raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking.
The annual event has brought together thousands of people in cities across more than 50 countries worldwide. Liverpool has regularly participated in taking a stand against social injustice, and this year will be no different.
Modern slavery and human trafficking are estimated to affect 122,000 victims in the UK. Forms of modern slavery include forced labour, forced marriage, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. Over half of the victims are women and children, like Sabrina Hewitt, who shared her experience with the ECHO.
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Dr Esther Cole, a member of Liverpool and Wirral’s abolition group, Hope for Justice, said: “Raising awareness and educating people about modern slavery might help someone avoid becoming a victim. As consumers, we can ask companies to check their supply chains, to fight against human rights abuses and stop the exploitation of workers in the production of goods and services.
“We can encourage each other to be vigilant and spot the signs of modern slavery. If there’s something that doesn’t add up and you think someone might be a victim of modern slavery, then you can report it to the modern slavery helpline.”
A21 believes there is a growing use of technology by criminal gangs, with new forms of slavery emerging, including forced scamming, fake jobs posted on social media and targeting of children online.
In the UK, technology has enabled criminals to exploit vulnerable people through County Lines. Gangs and organised criminal networks export illegal drugs around using dedicated mobile phone lines. They often recruit children and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs and money on their behalf, using tactics like coercion, intimidation and violence.
This year’s A21 walk will take place on Saturday, October 19. It will start at the International Slavery Museum and then embark on a two-mile route through the city centre’s shopping district and waterfront. Participants will walk in single file, carrying placards with information about what slavery looks like today.
Participants can arrive at 10 am, and the walk will begin an hour later. It will last around 90 minutes, and it has been requested that those coming wear all black, as signs and banners will be provided.