By “Joanna Ewart-James, Freedom United” <[email protected]>

Did you see our event on Friday? Ahead of today’s Anti-Slavery Day, I spoke to Debbie Ariyo OBE, Chair and founder of the UK BME Anti-Slavery Network, the first network in Europe dedicated to promoting equality, inclusion and diversity in the anti-trafficking and anti-slavery space.

We discussed anti-racism in the anti-trafficking space, what it looks like, and how being actively anti-racist better supports survivor care, recovery and leadership.

Watch our conversation here!

Systemic racism is pervasive in society and the anti-trafficking sector is no different. To mark Anti-Slavery Day watch me and Debbie discuss how racism limits the fight to end human trafficking and what needs to change.

Check out this list of resources and further reading:

UK BME Anti-Slavery Network’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action PlanHow survivor recovery is hampered by racismMy statement on the murder of George FloydThe relevance of historical slavery today

Freedom United’s vision is a world that is resilient to modern slavery and that requires radical change in policies, practices and behaviors throughout society, including those working at the frontlines. We recognize that discrimination, not valuing people because of their identity, perceived or otherwise, facilitates society’s tolerance of exploitation allowing some people to get away with keeping others in conditions of modern slavery. Watch the event and share your thoughts with us here!  In solidarity, Joanna and the Freedom United team