Shiva Foundation

Today, on October 18th, we mark Anti-Slavery Day. This serves as a crucial reminder that these crimes not only persist around the world, but every part of society has a role to play in helping to end it. 50 million people are estimated to be trapped in modern slavery around the world (ILO) It is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. Estimates show that more than half of all forced labour and forced marriages are in high-income or middle income countries. 86% of forced labour cases are found in industries including manufacturing, constructions, hospitality, agriculture, care and domestic work. At Shiva Foundation, we are committed to help businesses eradicate modern slavery. Click the link in our bio to discover our extensive resources, developed to empower organisations to identify and address human trafficking effectively 💪 #anti-slavery day

New research reveals barriers for the survivors of modern slavery to access support created by a lack of cultural and structural competency in the UK’s response to modern slavery. The research identified the barriers at three levels: 1.    Individual barriers. Survivors of modern slavery face significant barriers such as discrimination, mistrust of authorities, lack of legal knowledge, language barriers and feelings of shame. Cultural competence is crucial in mitigating these challenges and providing effective support. 2.    Organisational and systemic bias. Professional biases, stereotypes, and inflexible systems hinder the early identification and support of potential victims. Promoting culturally competent practices and challenging these biases within organisations can prevent further harm and ensure better service delivery. 3.    Policies and legal framework. Current immigration policies and complex support systems negatively impact survivors. Reforming legislation and making systems more survivor-focused are necessary steps to address structural vulnerabilities and discrimination, ensuring equitable access to support and protection. The research was conducted by the University of Hull in partnership with Shiva Foundation and West Midlands Anti Slavery Network. It was funded by the Modern Slavery and Human Rights PEC, which in turn is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. https://lnkd.in/ewjvYb32

Today, on July 30th, we mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This year’s theme implores us all to Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking. Globally, children are subjected to trafficking in all its forms, including  forced labor, forced criminality, and sexual exploitation. The hospitality sector is particularly high risk. Not only can rooms be used for activities such as sexual exploitation, drug trafficking, and county lines operations, but systemic issues within the industry can also contribute to adverse outcomes for workers. It’s substantial need for labour and the global demand for cheap labour fuels this illicit trade. At Shiva Foundation, we have developed the Stop Slavery Blueprint a comprehensive toolkit offering actionable guidance and customisable templates to fortify hotels and other hospitality businesses against the threat of modern slavery in both their operations and supply chains. Click the link here : https://bit.ly/3OWuDEv to discover our extensive resources, developed to empower organisations like yours to identify and address human trafficking effectively 💪

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the updated version of our flagship project, the Stop Slavery Blueprint. This comprehensive toolkit sets out the key principles to be embedded into hotel and other hospitality businesses to address modern slavery and exploitation. By equipping organisations with the Stop Slavery Blueprint, we aim to catalyse a collective effort towards proactively addressing these challenges and eradicating modern slavery from the hospitality landscape. Click the link in our bio to access the Stop Slavery Blueprint. #EndModernSlavery #CorporateResponsibility #EthicalBusiness #StopExploitation #BusinessEthics #SocialImpact #HumanTraffickingAwareness #SustainableBusiness #HospitalityIndustry #ResponsibleHospitality #HospitalityCSR #HospitalityForGood

⚡NEW REPORT!!! Visa route conditions for both the care and agricultural sectors are creating ‘hyper-precarity’ and increasing vulnerability to exploitation. ➡ Migrant workers in both sectors commonly earn low wages, pay high recruitment and transfer fees, and suffer from inappropriate salary deductions and lack of information on employment rights, the report found. There are significant issues of debt associated with illegal recruitment fees and travel, accommodation and high visa application fees. ➡Migrant workers’ vulnerability to exploitation is compounded by the set of policies known as the ‘Hostile/Compliant Environment, which makes them apprehensive about reporting mistreatment or exploitation in case it triggers immigration enforcement action. ➡Findings point to deception by intermediaries; including false promises regarding their employment and conditions, misleading information regarding employment length, and lack of appropriate information on their contractual terms and rights. RECOMMENDATIONS: ✅ Urgent review to establish a clear division of responsibilities between different government departments and labour enforcement bodies ✅ the Modern Slavery Unit and UKVI should consider establishing a working group to find a better method of regulating recruitment; ✅ the UK government and relevant agencies should urgently establish a firewall to separate police and labour inspectorates from immigration enforcement. Read the research summary: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKYhPT65 The research was carried out by the University of Leicester Royal Holloway, University of London University of London Durham University University of Bristol & University of York, in partnership with Focus On Labour Exploitation (FLEX), Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC) and Kanlungan Filipino Consortium, with support from Unison. It was funded by the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre which in turn is funded and supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

While International Women's Day is a time for celebrating achievements, it's equally vital to raise awareness and acknowledge the challenges that persist. Violence against women and girls remains a serious threat in many countries. Tackling it isn't straightforward; it demands a multifaceted approach addressing root causes, empowering survivors, and promoting societal change. This year's theme for International Women's Day is Invest in Women' and we've posted a blog outlining various areas to invest in to combat violence against women and girls. Read it here: https://bit.ly/3TtwJ2S Let's create change and build a safer world for all women and girls. #InternationalWomensDay #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #EmpowerSurvivors #InvestInWomen #GenderEquality #WomenEmpowerment #BreakTheCycle #SocietalChange #VAWG #endVAWG #WomensRights #buildingabetterfuture

📣Calling all care providers. Cases of modern slavery in the care sector have skyrocketed since 2022. If your organisation needs assistance with guidance and training on this matter, we can help. Contact our team today 👉 https://bit.ly/3Kq3mJ5 #ModernSlavery #CareSectorChallenges #TrainingAndGuidance #SupportingCareProviders #EndExploitation #SocialJustice #TrainingSolutions #CareSectorSupport #CommunitySafety #WorkplaceTraining #EthicalCare #CorporateResponsibility

Calling all local authority professionals! Join those who have already benefited from our Self-Assessment Scorecard and Guidance to address modern slavery risks in their organisations. Discover the impact firsthand 👉 https://bit.ly/3AnBkJK #localauthority #localgovernment #councils #publicsector #supplychains #procurement #responsibleprocurement #modernslavery #humantrafficking

On Human Trafficking Awareness Day, we wanted to shed light on the distinction between people smuggling and human trafficking. In the past year, these terms were often mixed up in mainstream discussions, both in politics and the media. As we embark on a new year, let's commit to learning the difference and using precise language. Each term represents distinct crimes with unique impacts on victims. Language matters! #humantraffickingawareness