UK: Church, police officials join in conference on human trafficking

December 10, 2014

Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster joined leading British criminal justice officials for a conference on combating human trafficking.

Between 10,000 and 13,000 persons in the United Kingdom are enslaved, according to the nation’s Minister for Modern Slavery and Organized Crime.

“What struck me the most of all was the extent and the type of enticement and abuse of people that goes on in Africa,” said Cardinal Nichols.

“For example, there are schools for football excellence which get youngsters in and promise them a career in the Premier League, and as soon as they get to England they are enslaved. There seems to be almost no enticement that isn’t being used. They come in search of a dream, but of course don’t find it.”

Caritas Westminster has opened a safe house for trafficking victims.

 

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Further information:

• Santa Marta Group Holds Second Trafficking Conference (Diocese of Westminster)
• Cardinal Nichols: Trafficking victims are being lured to Britain by dreams of a better life (Catholic Herald)
• Papal encouragement for joint effort by bishops, police chiefs to combat human trafficking (CWN, 12/5)