The scourge of human trafficking and modern slavery is a reality that exists in every corner of the globe, including the picturesque region of East Anglia in the United Kingdom. It’s a crime that affects millions of people, with approximately 50 million individuals enslaved worldwide, according to the International Labour Organization and the Walk Free Foundation. To raise awareness about this heinous crime, the Rotary Club of Norwich St Edmund is organizing a conference on Modern Slavery, which will take place on Friday, October 10, at the Salvation Army Citadel in Norwich. The conference aims to educate attendees about the true nature and extent of modern slavery, both domestically and internationally, and inspire them to take action to help end this crime against humanity.
The conference is open to the public, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn from a panel of esteemed speakers who are experts in the field of modern slavery. Major Heather Grinsted, Deputy Director of the Salvation Army’s Modern Slavery and Anti-Trafficking unit, will be one of the speakers, along with Karen Anstiss, a former police officer and current Manager of Bakhita House, a trafficking shelter in London. Andrew Wallis OBE, CEO of UNSEEN, the UK’s national Modern Slavery Helpline, will also be speaking, as well as Simon John, Co-Lead on the Roman Catholic Diocesan initiative against Modern Slavery in East Anglia. Carol Metzker, a renowned author and speaker on modern slavery, will be joining the conference from the United States, and Mark Little MBE, the Founder Chair of the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, will be facilitating the discussions. The conference will be chaired by Caroline Evans, a former educationist with over 40 years of experience in the public sector.
The issue of modern slavery is a complex and multifaceted one, and it requires a comprehensive approach to address it. The conference will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the signs that indicate the existence of slavery victims and human traffickers, and how to report them to the relevant authorities. It will also inspire attendees to consider supporting the work of anti-slavery organizations, which are often underfunded and understaffed. As Mark Little MBE aptly puts it, “They are like mice fighting a herd of elephants.” The conference will be a call to action, urging individuals to take an active role in helping to end modern slavery. With an estimated 122,000 adults and children living in modern slavery in the UK, and many of them in Norfolk, the need for awareness and action is pressing.
The conference is not just about raising awareness; it’s also about providing a platform for individuals to make a difference. By learning about the signs of modern slavery and how to report them, attendees can become part of a larger movement to end this crime. The conference will also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration, bringing together individuals and organizations that are working to combat modern slavery. The organizers hope that the conference will inspire attendees to take action, whether it’s by supporting anti-slavery organizations, volunteering their time, or simply by being more aware of the issue and reporting any suspicious activity. As Karen Anstiss, one of the speakers, notes, “Every individual can make a difference, and collective action can lead to significant change.”
The conference is a ticketed event, with each ticket priced at £15, which includes a light buffet lunch. The monies raised from the conference will be donated equally to The Salvation Army, UNSEEN UK, and Bakhita House, organizations that are working tirelessly to combat modern slavery. The organizers are encouraging individuals to purchase tickets and attend the conference, which will take place from 10am to 4:30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel in Norwich. For more information, individuals can contact Mark Little MBE on 07710 403802 or at [email protected]. The conference promises to be an informative and inspiring event, and one that will provide attendees with the knowledge and motivation to make a difference in the fight against modern slavery.
In conclusion, the conference on Modern Slavery, organized by the Rotary Club of Norwich St Edmund, is a crucial event that aims to raise awareness about the existence of human trafficking and modern slavery in East Anglia. With a panel of esteemed speakers and a comprehensive program, the conference promises to educate and inspire attendees to take action against this heinous crime. The issue of modern slavery is a complex and multifaceted one, but by working together, individuals can make a difference. As the conference organizers note, “Every individual can be part of the solution, and collective action can lead to significant change.” By attending the conference and learning more about modern slavery, individuals can become part of a larger movement to end this crime and create a safer, more just world for all. The conference is a call to action, urging individuals to take an active role in helping to end modern slavery, and it promises to be an informative and inspiring event that will leave a lasting impact on all who attend.
