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HUMAN TRAFFICKING
21st CENTURY SLAVERY
NCW
Seminar - South West Midland Region, Highnam, Gloucester
31 March 2007
Four brilliant and informative
presentations on ‘People Trafficking – Slavery in the 21st
Century’ ensured the success of this seminar, which was
supported by NCW members, Affiliates and Friends. The
arrival of members from Birmingham was delayed by an
accident to the car in which they were travelling. No-one
was badly injured and our good wishes go to the members
who were involved for their courage in continuing their
journey.
In her introduction to the seminar,
Regional Chairman Lois Hainsworth underlined the
contribution made by NCW, whose resolution against
trafficking in 1999 and the Seminar organized by its
Foreign Affairs Committee in 2001 were the first glimmers
of the need to raise awareness of the traffic, until then
understood only by those closely concerned.
Dr Tim Brain, Chief Constable of
Gloucestershire, gave an overview of the work being done
to counter this scourge, not only in Gloucestershire, but
nationwide and spoke of his own involvement in working
against it since 2003. He emphasized the enormous profit
in this trade and its relation to other crime.
Sister Ann Teresa, aided by Sister Jo,
both Sisters of St Joseph, spoke of their work to
establish the Medaille Trust, which aims to house
trafficked women who have been rescued from the
trafficking traders. The Trust works to empower the
freed women and to provide training so that they are able
to rejoin society. Slides were shown to emphasize her
talk and examples given of the dreadful conditions in
which trafficked girls found themselves.
Zarin Hainsworth began her presentation by
noting the significance of the March 2000 session of the
UN Commission on the Status of Women when the President of
the Security Council noted the important role of women in
peace and security. She linked this event to the UN SCR
1325, the UNIFEM report on women, war, peace and its
resolution on trafficking. She then spoke from her
experience in Iraq and other conflict zones of the
inextricable link between equality of women and men and
peace, and that of conflict and the increase in
trafficking of women and children.
Mike Kaye has been working in the human
rights field for more than 15 years and currently manages
Anti-Slavery International's communications and advocacy
work. He said that trafficking is the fastest growing
form of slavery, which includes forced labour. People
looking for work and a better way of life are coerced and
exploited.
Many members made considerable
contributions to the success of the seminar. The region is
particularly grateful for the help and support of members’
husbands, who contribute a great deal to its achievements.
Every effort was made to achieve maximum publicity,
especially by Regional Secretary Heather Bell, who also
put in place the state-of-the-art PA equipment belonging
to the Region, aided by her husband and by Sheila
Ellison. Daphne Johnston and her husband produced the
programme which helped to advertise the seminar. Members
of Gloucester Branch arranged a delicious lunch.
Hereford Branch took care of the Bring and Buy Stall,
which raised £60.
Our President, Monica Hall, gave an
excellent and informative summary of the day, giving a
brief outline of the talks which focused our minds on its
importance and we were greatly pleased to have her with
us. She also expressed thanks to the speakers and to the
Region for drawing attention to this crime. | 
