Anti-Slavery Day: Why It Matters

Every year, Anti-Slavery Day is marked on October 18th in the UK. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness of modern slavery and encouraging governments, businesses, and individuals to take action. Beyond that, Anti-Slavery Day is about raising awareness across all corners of society and getting everyone to take responsibility for how their actions could impact modern slavery victims.

The History of Anti-Slavery Day

Anti-Slavery Day was established in the UK through the Anti-Slavery Day Act, introduced by former MP Anthony Steen and passed in 2010. The day aims to bring attention to the issue of modern slavery, which, despite being illegal, still affects millions of people worldwide. Whatever form it takes, modern slavery is a pervasive issue that often goes unnoticed.

The day aligns with global efforts to eradicate slavery, building momentum for other awareness events like International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on December 2nd and World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30th. Anti-Slavery Day emphasises the UK’s commitment to addressing modern slavery both domestically and globally, offering an opportunity to reflect on the efforts that have been made and the work still required.

Why Anti-Slavery Day is Important

Modern slavery is one of the most pressing human rights challenges of our time. According to the Global Slavery Index, an estimated 49.6 million people worldwide are living in some form of modern slavery, often invisible to the average person but ingrained in many industries, from agriculture to construction. Raising awareness through Anti-Slavery Day is essential as many people don’t even know what modern slavery means or what a modern victim is – hint, it could easily be you or me!

Several organisations are at the forefront of the battle against modern slavery, offering support for victims and advocating for systemic change. Here are some of the key charities and organisations you can support today and throughout the year:

1. Unseen UK

Unseen UK is a leading anti-slavery charity in prevention, protection, and prosecution. Unseen operates the UK’s Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, which is a free and confidential helpline to offer victims themselves or concerned individuals a way to report slavery and seek help. They can be called 24/7 on 08000 121 700 and help in over 200 languages.

Unseen also works directly with survivors, providing safe accommodation and support services to help them recover from their experiences. Their advocacy efforts focus on pushing for stronger legislation and corporate accountability, assisting businesses to comply with their legal obligations under the Modern Slavery Act.

2. The Medaille Trust

The Medaille Trust provides safe houses across the UK for survivors of modern slavery. They offer survivors holistic support, including physical, mental, and emotional rehabilitation. Their team works closely with law enforcement and other agencies to help identify and rescue victims of trafficking.The Medaille Trust’s work is also centred on educating the public about the realities of modern slavery, helping communities become more vigilant and spot the signs of someone who may need help.

3. Anti-Slavery International

Anti-Slavery International is the world’s oldest human rights organisation, founded in 1839, and remains a key player in the global fight against modern slavery. The charity works at a policy level to influence laws and practices that allow slavery to continue. Anti-Slavery International is heavily involved in research, awareness campaigns, and advocacy, pushing for systemic changes that address the root causes of modern slavery, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of labour rights.

The Role We All Play in Ending Modern Slavery

Anti-Slavery Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action for all of us to recognise the ongoing existence of modern slavery and to do something about it. Whether you’re a business ensuring ethical practices in your supply chain, an individual donating, or someone simply spreading awareness, every action counts.