Time to Listen
Today, over 40 million people are held in modern slavery. Survivors of this abuse are the only people who have direct knowledge of how modern slavery takes place, and what it’s like. Efforts to stop slavery and support those affected will always fall short unless this expertise from lived experience is listened to. Take action today to ensure UK Government listens to survivors
Too often, survivors are not given a seat at the decision-making table. That’s why, this Anti-Slavery Day 2021, the Coalition to Stop Slavery – which Ella’s is part of – is calling for survivors of modern slavery to be listened to.
‘Our voices united, our collective strength, is real power,’ says Pachaiyammal, a leader in the Released Bonded Labourers Association and a founding member of the Global Survivor Network.
‘Our voices united, our collective strength, is real power,’ says Pachaiyammal, a leader in the Released Bonded Labourers Association and founding member of the Global Survivor Network.
‘When survivors are at the table, where decisions are made, change happens. Real sustainable solutions are possible. Listen to me. Listen to us. I will continue working for my people until my last breath.’
We believe that survivors must be part of any conversation that is about them.
If we are to create real and lasting change, we must do so together.
Please take action today by emailing your MP, asking them to write to the Home Secretary calling for a formal process for survivors to be consulted in anti-slavery legislation and policy making.
Here’s how:
If you’re not sure who your MP is or how to contact them, you can find out at: https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP
Use this letter template to write your email. You can either copy and paste, add names and send as is, or you can edit it into your own words if you prefer.
If you can, PLEASE do this on or before Anti-Slavery Day (Monday 18 October) to help create the biggest impact among people in power.
Together, we are stronger. Please join us to tell Government that it’s #timetolisten to survivors, and then act.