Police, politicians, charities and church groups are among those taking part in a major event in Middlesbrough aimed at highlighting the scourge of people-trafficking.
Organisers of ‘Making Middlesbrough A Traffick-Free Zone’ believe the North-East could be a modern slavery hotspot due to the number of ports close by.
The Bishop of Middlesbrough, The Right Reverend Terence Patrick Drainey, asked the Diocese’s Women’s Commission to examine how the Church could help raise awareness of the issue and this event, held in partnership with anti-slavery charity Unchosen, is the result.
“Human Trafficking is one of the most appalling crimes of modern times and victims include men, women, girls and boys,” said one of the organisers, Diocese of Middlesbrough Women’s Commission member Catherine Rowland.
“Statistics are notoriously difficult to come by because it’s often a hidden problem, but we believe the North-East could have one of the highest incidences of people trafficking in the UK.”
Fellow organiser Pat O’Connor added: “We’re being made more and more aware of the increasing numbers of people, especially women and children, who are being exploited in this way in all parts of the UK. Because of the local ports, this region is an area where the incidence seems to be particularly high.”
The issue was highlighted last month by the tragic events at Tilbury Docks, where one man in a group of 35 immigrants, including 13 children, died in a container. They are believed to have fled to Britain from Afghanistan to escape persecution.
“We don’t know whether similar things could be happening here,” said Catherine. “But one of the many reasons for holding this event is to help both professionals and members of the public look out for the warning signs.
“This is about making Middlesbrough a traffick-free zone and the best way we can help to do that is by keeping our eyes and ears open.”
Bishop Drainey will open the event before three short but hard-hitting films will be shown on the subjects of domestic labour, prostitution and a victim who was forced to look after a cannabis farm. All are based on true events.
This will be followed by a question-and-answer session with a panel consisting of Superintendent Rob Donaghy of Cleveland Police, Jane Harmer, service director of A Way Out, a charity helping vulnerable young women in Stockton, and Doctor Anqi Shen, senior lecturer in Policing at Teesside University.
The panel will be chaired by Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald and Chief Constable Jacqui Cheer will give an overview.
‘Making Middlesbrough A Traffick-Free Zone’ takes place on Tuesday September 30 at The Trinity Centre, North Ormesby, TS3 6LD from 7pm to 9pm. Doors open at 6.30pm.
Exhibitors include Middlesbrough Diocesan Justice and Peace Group, Victim Support, domestic abuse support service Harbour, The Medaille Trust, which helps victims of people trafficking, Catholic aid agency CAFOD, The Methodist Asylum Seekers Project, Church anti-poverty group Together Middlesbrough and Justice First, a charity for asylum seekers.
All are welcome but advance booking would be appreciated. Call the Diocese of Middlesbrough on 01642 850505 for more details.