International Day for the Abolition of Modern Slavery

On 2 December, the world marks the International Day for the Abolition of Modern Slavery, a moment to shine a light on an urgent and often hidden crime in our communities.

Modern slavery is an umbrella term that includes forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking, and forced marriage. At its heart lies exploitation from which a person cannot walk away, due to threats, coercion, deception, violence, or the misuse of power.

This injustice can be found everywhere. It crosses social, cultural, and religious boundaries. Shockingly, more than half of all forced labour and a quarter of all forced marriages occur in upper-middle-income and high-income nations, places often assumed to be safe from such abuses.

The United Kingdom is no exception. In fact, cases are rising dramatically. Across the country, including within our Diocese, more victims are being identified and rescued. In the most recent figures available, covering the quarter to the end of September 2025, the number of people confirmed as being in conditions of modern slavery rose by 35 per cent compared with the same period in 2024.

This is a stark reminder: modern slavery is not far away. It is among us.

In response, our Diocese has established a Freedom Watchers group to help reduce exploitation and safeguard the vulnerable here in East Anglia. Guided by Pope Francis’ call to “find” those who are suffering, we are working to raise awareness, build strong community vigilance, and support the identification of victims who urgently need help.

We warmly welcome new supporters who feel called to assist in this mission of justice and compassion.

If you are interested in joining Freedom Watchers or would like more information, please contact:

Simon – john_simong@hotmail.com

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