Northern Ireland Modern Slavery Strategy 2021-2022 published

Modern slavery and human trafficking are heinous crimes that have a devastating impact on victims, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.

She was speaking as the fourth annual Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Strategy was published.

The Strategy reinforces the commitment of the Department of Justice and its partner organisations - statutory bodies and non-governmental groups alike – to identify and eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.  

The Strategy takes a collaborative approach and builds on progress made in previous years. It draws together activity under three complementary themes of pursuing offenders, protecting victims and preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all its forms.   This represents a comprehensive, flexible and victim centred response.

The Minister said: “Traffickers use and exploit vulnerabilities to exert control.   We must ensure that those who seek to control and abuse others for criminal gain do not have the opportunity to do so. The Strategy sets out a range of actions aimed at protecting and supporting those who are vulnerable to exploitation or who may have been victims of these crimes.  It also articulates a strong criminal justice response.  I am grateful to all those who have been involved in developing and delivering this Strategy.”

Looking ahead, the Minister noted: “The harsh reality is that traffickers and enslavers who seek to abuse vulnerable people for their own gain are operating in Northern Ireland.  Working with statutory and non-statutory partners and wider society, it is vital that we maximise our collective efforts to address this particularly despicable and harmful form of criminality.

“We all have a role to play in making our communities better and safer places in which to live.  I would encourage everyone to be alert to potential modern slavery or human trafficking abuses, and to contact the police or the Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700  with any concerns.” 

The Strategy is available at the publication section of this website 

Notes to editors: 

1.  The consultation on the draft strategy ran from 16 October 2020 to 7 January 2021
2.  All responses to the consultation were considered by DoJ and any appropriate revisions made, and necessary approvals obtained, before this final strategy was published.
3.  The strategy has been developed under section 12 of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.
4. Further information about human slavery can be found on the NIDirect website

5. Some of the signs of modern slavery are

• Someone who is distrustful of authorities
• Someone who appears to be under the control of others
• An over-crowded house or flat
• Someone who is unsure of their address or the local area
• Someone who may not have cash because they can’t keep the money they earn or
• Someone who can’t produce their passport or personal documents

6.  All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via email to press.offfice@justice-ni.gov.uk

7.  The Executive Information Service operates an out-of-hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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