SAFE shelters will be created to protect women and girls at risk of trafficking or violence along migration routes to and through Europe, the UK Government has announced.
The Department for International Development (DFID) revealed the scheme as part of its efforts to tackle modern slavery and child exploitation.
Victims will also be given access to legal support, psychosocial help and medical care.
However, it is not yet known how many shelters will be in operation or where they will be located. A DFID spokesperson said details were still being worked out as the government seeks external partners to deliver the help.
It is also not known whether legal help at the shelters will include assistance in making claims for asylum in the UK.
International Development Secretary Priti Patel revealed plans to provide £4 million for DFID’s Women and Girls Protection Fund for Europe and North Africa, which will support “vulnerable groups at risk of trafficking or gender-based violence along migration routes”.
Meanwhile, £1m will be given to a UN Trust working with women’s rights and civil society groups on sexual and gender-based violence experienced by female refugees in seven key countries – Egypt, Macedonia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Serbia and Turkey.
Another £1m grant will be given to ShareAction and Oxfam to help improve labour practices and reduce the existence of modern slavery within supply chains.
It is thought that child labour affects up to 170 million children around the world, with 45m others in conditions of forced labour.
Patel said: “The international response to modern slavery, human trafficking and child exploitation has been far too slow, which is why I am making eradicating these crimes a priority.
“As a member of the first government taskforce on modern slavery I will replicate the leadership already shown in the UK to work with international governments, multilaterals, civil society, religious leaders and businesses to stamp out modern slavery and end all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation against children.
“As a globally-engaged outward-looking Britain we will keep our promises to the world’s poorest by ending these vile crimes for good.”
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