To coincide with the State Opening of Parliament on 13 May 2026, After Exploitation has launched a campaign urging Parliamentarians to take a stand for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking. ILPA is among the contributors to the campaign briefing which outlines the challenges facing survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK, and the ways in which the Government can hear and support survivors.
We are calling on Parliamentarians to:
Hear Survivors:
- Ensure survivors are believed when they come forward.
- Reverse newer, higher evidence burdens on survivors.
- Turn back victim-blaming policies which punish survivors for their offending history or immigration status.
- Fund, train and support first responders to identify and assist survivors who come forward.
Support Survivors:
- Place survivor rights (including access to safe and secure housing, mental health support, compensation, legal advice and immigration leave) into law.
- Ensure children can access dedicated modern slavery and trafficking services.
Adopt the following pledge:
As a member of Parliament, I stand with survivors of modern slavery and
human trafficking.
Where possible, I will use my platform to advocate for a UK which:
- Hears survivors when they come forward, breaking down the barriers stopping victims from being recognised. This includes heavy evidence burdens, victim-blaming policies, and a lack of funding for front-line professionals.
- Supports survivors when they come forward, placing survivor rights (including access to safe and secure housing, mental health support, compensation, legal advice and immigration leave) into law.
Download the “Hear Survivors, Support Survivors” Campaign document
- Document Date
- Wednesday May 13, 2026