Assembly Member for Wrexham Lesley Griffiths has backed a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness of modern day slavery and what can be done to eliminate the crime.
Last Friday (18 October) was Anti-Slavery Day and events took place across the UK to acknowledge that men, women and children continue to be victims of the modern day slave trade.
Wrexham AM Griffiths attended the North Wales anti-slavery conference at Glyndwr University. The event was aimed at leaders and managers who will need to play a key role in shaping the development of integrated strategic approaches to tackle Human Trafficking across the region.
In recent times, the Welsh Government has undertaken several measures aimed at addressing key issues surrounding human trafficking. In 2012, the Welsh Government appointed an Anti-Human Trafficking Co-ordinator, the first of its kind in the UK. The role aims to co-opt agencies and organisations in Wales to work together to better tackle the threat of human trafficking and protect and support victims.
During this summer, the Welsh Government, along with several other agencies and organisations, attended a meeting of the Wales Anti Human Trafficking Leadership Group. The multi-agency approach highlights the importance of everyone working together to share best practice and gather evidence on the extent of the issue in the UK.
Commenting after the conference, Wrexham AM Griffiths said:
“Anti-Slavery Day helps raise awareness of the dangers of modern slavery, including human trafficking and exploitation and encourages people to be proactive in the fight against slavery.”
“I attended and spoke at the event in my ministerial capacity and was pleased Wrexham and North East Wales hosted the conference. It proved to be a great success, addressing key issues surrounding human trafficking and enabling leaders the opportunity to strategize and develop projects and build upon existing ideas and frameworks.”
“Human trafficking is a despicable crime and it is vital the Welsh Government continues to stand up for victims, tackle the key issues and make our communities safer.”
