NEW CAMPAIGN: SIGN THE Slavery-Free London PLEDGE

The Slavery-Free London campaign aims to draw attention to the potential risk of an increase in modern slavery connected to the 2012 Games, and ensure more is done to put a stop it in the run up to, during and after the Games.

sign the SLAVERY-FREE LONDON pledge

Slavery still exists in 21st century London with an estimated 5,000 people trafficked to the UK at any one time. Whilse some are forced into prostitution, increasing numbers are forced to work in construction, domestic work, cleaning, the restaurant trade, care, on farms and in factories. Many, including children, are forced to beg, commit street crime or cultivate cannabis.

Although human trafficking and forced labour are ongoing problems in London and the UK, the London 2012 Games could make the situation worse. Past international experience signals a risk of an increase in human trafficking in the lead up to and during major sporting events. The mass influx of visitors could fuel a greater demand for cheap, temporary labour in jobs vulnerable to slavery. It is likely criminal gangs may use the Games to lure people to the UK for jobs that don't exist, only to exploit them elsewhere. Overseas workers making Olympic-branded products which Londoners and tourists will buy for the Games are also at risk of slavery.

The eyes of the world will be on London during the summer of 2012. Let's make sure it's Slavery-Free!

Sign the Slavery-Free London pledge

I pledge my support to the Slavery-Free London campaign and call on the Government and relevant authorities to ensure that the risks of slavery in connection with the 2012 Games are properly addressed; more steps are taken to prevent the ongoing exploitation of vulnerable people; and the gaps in UK policy and practice that enable slavery to persist are closed. Click here to find out what measures the Slavery-Free London campaign is calling for.

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