Latest News Bulletin

Weekly News Roundup from Across the Web

15/11/2024

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Featured Reports

UNODC Report on INTERPOL Operation LIBERTERRA II

The UNODC-supported Operation Liberterra II, coordinated with INTERPOL, has achieved a major breakthrough in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Conducted across 116 countries, the operation rescued 3,222 potential victims and identified 17,800 irregular migrants over the span of one week. Collaborative efforts by law enforcement, prosecutors, and UNODC experts facilitated real-time case handling and cross-border cooperation, resulting in 2,517 arrests, with 850 directly linked to trafficking and smuggling offenses. The operation also revealed shifting patterns of trafficking, such as coercion into fraudulent activities, underscoring the complexity of these crimes. Continued partnership between INTERPOL and UNODC remains crucial to dismantling criminal networks worldwide.

Read the full report here

The Salvation Army: Statistics from the NRM

The Salvation Army has expressed deep concern over recent data from the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), which indicates a rising number of potential modern slavery victims declining referral into the government support system. The Salvation Army emphasises that without adequate training and trauma-informed care, First Responders risk alienating potential victims, leaving them vulnerable to re-exploitation. Major Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti-Trafficking, highlighted the troubling decrease in victims accessing support and called for mandatory, accredited training for all First Responders. This would enhance their ability to build trust and provide essential information for government decision-making, ensuring victims receive crucial support and protection.

Read the full report here

United Kingdom and Ireland

The Headlines

A Former Harrods Employee Accuses Al-Fayed of Trafficking and Says His Brother Knew. A former employee of Mohamed al-Fayed has accused him of trafficking, rape, and abuse during her employment at Harrods, alleging his brother Ali may hold evidence of Harrods' complicity in covering up the abuse. Filed in a U.S. court, the claims suggest systematic exploitation and compare the scale of the alleged crimes to those of high-profile figures like Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein.

Read more at the New York Times

Immigration crackdown sees British modern slavery victims imprisoned. A change in UK government policy has led to the treatment of modern slavery primarily as an immigration issue, leaving foreign-born victims vulnerable to deportation and British victims often overlooked or imprisoned. Legislation like the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 has compounded these challenges, making it harder for victims forced into criminal acts to access support, while experts warn that many remain trapped without adequate protections due to a flawed and inconsistent system.

Read more at Open Democracy

Joint investigation sees suspected small boat supplier arrested in the Netherlands. A joint operation by the National Crime Agency, along with Dutch and Belgian partners, led to the arrest of a 44-year-old Turkish man suspected of supplying boats and engines to people-smuggling networks for cross-Channel crossings. This coordinated effort underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating organised immigration crime and disrupting dangerous smuggling operations.

Read more at the National Crime Agency

Indonesian Workers Say They Faced Modern Slavery in the UK. Who Is Responsible?

Indonesian workers recruited under the UK’s post-Brexit seasonal labor scheme have alleged exploitation, including debt bondage and modern slavery, due to mismatched visa durations and harvest seasons, high costs for recruitment, and unrealistic work targets. The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority is investigating the scheme, as both UK and Indonesian parties face scrutiny for failing to prevent such practices, leaving many workers in severe debt and unable to return home.

Read more at The Diplomat

Regional Stories

England

Scotland

  • Inverness: Traffickers sent messages about ‘people smuggling business’ – court hears. Evidence presented in a Scottish court reveals traffickers’ discussions about expanding their illicit operations. Read the full report here


  • Edinburgh: Thai woman jailed for trafficking and forcing others into sex trade. Read the full report here


Wales

  • Caerphilly: People smuggling ring run from car wash – court. A criminal group allegedly used a car wash as a front for smuggling migrants, with trial details uncovering the operation’s structure. Read the full report here

Europe

  • Austria: Improving assistance to victims of trafficking in persons belonging to minorities focus of OSCE workshop. The workshop centered on enhancing support for marginalised trafficking victims. Read more


  • Netherlands: A Notorious Human Trafficker on Trial in the Netherlands. This high-profile case reveals chilling details about trafficking operations across Europe and Africa. Read more


  • Türkiye: Nearly 4,000 Arrested in Turkey for Human Trafficking. The sweeping arrests signify a renewed focus on disrupting trafficking networks. Read more


Africa

  • African Union: Somewhere to call home; the migration dynamics in Africa. Read more
  • Kenya: “I felt I’d no choice; you feel powerless”: Human Trafficking Survivors Share Challenging Experiences Under Traffickers. Survivors recount harrowing stories of control and exploitation. Read more


  • Tanzania: Tanzania’s anti-human trafficking efforts pay off. Read more


Asia and Oceania

  • Australia: A man who ‘discarded’ his wife overseas has been jailed in a first for this Australian state. What is exit trafficking and who is at risk? Landmark ruling sheds light on a dangerous form of trafficking. Read more


  • Australia: Former Labor senator to be Australia’s first anti-slavery commissioner. A major step in national efforts against trafficking and slavery. Read more


  • Cambodia: Cambodia detains over 200 in second human trafficking raid. Authorities continue their crackdown on trafficking rings. Read more


  • India: Supreme Court slams Centre for inaction over direction on sex trafficking. A call for stronger government measures to tackle sex trafficking is renewed. Read more


  • India: Punjab governor for mass awareness on human trafficking. A push for extensive public education on trafficking prevention strategies. Read more


  • Iraq: Press Release: Iraq Finalises Standard Operating Procedures for the Investigation of Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants. Iraq takes steps to better regulate investigations into trafficking. Read more


  • Lebanon: Displacement of migrant workers in Lebanon increases risk of modern slavery. Vulnerable migrant workers face heightened risks amid regional instability. Read more


  • Vietnam: Accor Reinforces Partnership with Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation to Combat Human Trafficking. Read more

North America

  • USA: Mapped: U.S. States With the Most Human Trafficking Victims. Visual data reveals trafficking prevalence across the states. Read more


  • USA: Wait, Wasn’t Matt Gaetz Under Investigation for Sex Trafficking? Read more


  • Canada: 'This can happen anywhere': Cochrane man facing human trafficking charges. Community shocked as charges reveal hidden exploitation. Read more


Maynooth 2024: Human Trafficking — Justice and Faith Perspectives

21 November 2024 Maynooth, Ireland