THE Church of Scotland has made a fresh commitment to tackle the “scandal” of human trafficking and modern slavery by signing a declaration to work with the Scottish Government and other statutory services.
Writing in the Sunday National today the Very Rev Dr Derek Browning, former moderator of the Church of Scotland, claimed modern slavery is “one of the great moral scandals of our time”. Faith communities such as the Church of Scotland must play a part in helping to highlight and eradicate it, he added.
READ MORE: Plea to give Scottish Government new powers to protect trafficking victims
Browning – who was Moderator of the General Assembly in 2017-18 – was amongst Kirk ministers and other faith leaders who last week attended a seminar organised by newly established charity Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS), which aimed to agree a faith-based response to the issue.
Representatives from the Roman Catholic Church, Scottish Episcopal Church, United Reformed Church and Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist and Jewish communities attended, as well as faith leaders from England also advised on how the charity – set-up to provide aftercare for victims and support people reluctant to accept government help due to fears of repercussions from traffickers –could learn from their experience.
Figures suggest that 40.3 million people worldwide are enslaved, with between 10,000 -13,000 in the UK subjected to forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, child slavery, forced or early marriage.
In Scotland last year there were 228 referrals to the authorities reporting instances of human trafficking. It is estimated it generates £26 billion in Scotland alone, making trafficking the second most profitable illegal activity after the drug trade.
Browning, who is the minister of Morningside Parish Church in Edinburgh, said: “It remains one of the great moral scandals of our time that human trafficking and modern day slavery not only continues but appears to be growing across the world and within our own country.
“Areas affected are to be found in the sex industry, nail bars, pop-up car washes, the farming and fishing industries, the hospitality industry, enforced begging and domestic cleaning. Human trafficking and modern day slavery covers forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, child slavery, forced or early marriage, and descent-based slavery where generations are born into slavery.
“Organised crime has adapted swiftly and cynically to exploit some of the most vulnerable people in our world and in our communities for financial gain. It can only be concluded that they hold human life very cheaply.”
He urged faith groups to play their part by raising awareness and reporting concerns. “It is happening somewhere in your community, and one of the most effective things that church communities can do is to keep their eyes open,” he added.
“And if they see anything that looks suspicious or abusive, in cities, towns and villages, report it to the police. The Church of Scotland, with its national coverage, is well placed to offer this vital information to the authorities.
“People are suffering in our communities because of this wicked global network of evil. The Church can counter it by being a global network for good.”
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, said: “Faith-based organisations are at the very heart of communities with the ability to make a difference in neighbourhoods and congregations.”
He added: “Together we can make further progress in tackling trafficking and exploitation in our communities.”
Joy Gillespie, SOHTIS development manager, said: “Everyone deserves to live in freedom with dignity and respect. We are delighted that this seminar provided the opportunity for a wide range of faith based organisations to explore how they can work together to ensure that this freedom exists for everyone in Scotland.”
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