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John Shirley joins anti-slavery fight

[ June 7, 2019   //   ]

Dover forwarder John Shirley Ltd has joined forces with anti-slavery charity Unseen, women’s rights group Canterbury Soroptimists and the United Nations in a campaign to raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK and Europe.

Stickers plastered on around 200 freight vehicles are urging anyone who suspects human trafficking or modern slavery to report it to train, multilingual advisors on a confidential 24-hour number.

John Shirley said: “People generally do not realise the sheer number of victims being forced into slavery here in the UK and abroad, often shipped unlawfully in lorries between countries. They are then forced to work as sex slaves or in other capacities wherever they end up.

“Hundreds of stickers with the Modern Slavery Helpline number are being placed on lorries which pass through the UK and abroad, I am fully aware of the role that lorries often play in facilitating modern day slavery.  It is hoped that these stickers will help to bring this unacceptable inhumane practice to an end.”

Manager of the Modern Slavery Helpline, Rachel Harper, said: “These stickers, strategically placed on lorries, will crucially increase visibility of the Helpline number, making services more accessible to those in need and offering a call to action for those who suspect human trafficking. Reports to the helpline make a difference in the lives of victims. We have seen calls from members of the public or online webforms result in police action, arrests and individuals able to leave situations of exploitation to reach freedom and safety.”

Indicators to help spot the signs of human trafficking are available on the Modern Slavery Helpline website https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/about/spot-the-signs or the free Unseen App.

The Soroptomists’ dedicated anti-slavery HSBC account is: sort code 40-16-11 account number 80769525.

 

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