An introduction and awareness to Human Trafficking

We have provided a useful general guidance covering the area of human trafficking. Human trafficking is the form of trapping a person. This can take various forms:

• Through the use of violence. 
• Through deception. 
• Through coercion. 
• Through exploitation for financial and/or personal gain. 

Components of Human trafficking 

According to the Home Office guidance on Modern Slavery version 2.11 published June 2020, there are three components to human trafficking. These components include:

• Component 1: Action - recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt, which includes an element of movement whether national or cross-border.
• Component 2 Means - threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability. 
• Component 3 Exploitation - or example, sexual exploitation, forced labour or domestic servitude, slavery, financial exploitation, removal of organs.

Causes of Human Trafficking 

According to Anti-slavery International, there is a range of causes to how individuals are put in a vulnerable position to fall victim to trafficking. It is worth emphasising that trafficking victims can range from adults to children. 

One of the causes identified is people that are escaping poverty, and discrimination, improving their lives and their family's lives and due to the determination to do this, the risks undertaken often leave them being placed in vulnerable circumstances which can be capitalised on. 

Support Available 

Special support is provided to these victims, as enshrined in the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, of which the UK is a member.

In the UK, support is available for both children and adults. This is provided by way of shelter, and legal and professional support. Professional support includes, but is not limited, to providing physiological, psychological and emotional support which can be undertaken by social workers or local GPs. In the case of children (under 18s), their best interest will always be put at the core front of any decision that is made.

Public authorities such as local councils & police stations have a legal duty to provide support to these victims. Should anyone reading this article feel that they do require support, please do not hesitate to contact us directly or these sources that can directly assist. 

Application routes in the UK 

Those who are victims of trafficking can be considered by the Home Office for official visa status. This means that if you are a victim of trafficking, you should not be afraid to come forward even if the person causing this to happen is using immigration purposes/reasons for threatening you not to come forward.

Those who are experiencing trafficking will also be considered under asylum, discretionary leave and/or humanitarian protection if these elements are evident in their circumstances. For many that have been brave enough to come forward usually they will make a claim under asylum but once the Home Office have identified any human trafficking elements, they will consider the application under both the route applied for and also under human trafficking.

Conclusion 

Trafficking can come in different forms as identified above, so if anyone wishes to speak with our team in this area, we will be happy to provide assistance and our consultation are free. This may involve providing you with the right authority/source for day-to-day assistance or providing general advice regarding the immigration process/circumstances.

By Danny Israel (Paralegal at S,A,J Legal)