World's first Modern Slavery Bill

Britain on 10^th June 2010 published the world's first Modern Slavery Bill. The Modern Slavery Bill is the first of its kind in Europe, and one of the first in the world, to specifically address slavery and trafficking in the 21st century.

This anti slavery bill will give law enforcement the tools they need to target today’s slave drivers in the modern world.

Provision in the bill is mentioned to ensure perpetrators are severely punished and improve support and protection for victims.

As per Britain this Bill reflects the Government’s determination to lead the global fight against modern slavery and to disrupt, prosecute and punish the organised criminal gangs which are behind the majority of this evil trade in human beings.

It also introduces Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders and Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders to restrict the activity of individuals who pose a risk of causing harm.

It calls for creating a new Anti-Slavery Commissioner, a vital post that will drive an improved and more coordinated law enforcement response at all levels, working in the interests of victims.

Following are the provisions in the bill to fight modern slavery

• Increasing the maximum sentence available for the most serious offenders from 14 years to life imprisonment, with those who have a previous conviction for a serious sexual or violent offence facing an automatic life sentence.
• Introducing Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders and Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders to restrict the activity of individuals where they pose a risk of causing harm.
• Creating a new Anti-Slavery Commissioner, a vital post that will drive an improved and more coordinated law enforcement response at all levels, working in the interests of victims.
• Ensuring that perpetrators convicted of slavery or trafficking face the toughest asset confiscation regime.
• Strengthening law enforcement powers at sea to close loopholes which prevent the police and Border Force being able to act where it is suspected that human trafficking or forced labour is taking place on board vessels at sea.

The Modern Slavery Bill will ensure victims receive the protection and support they deserve by

• Creating a statutory defence for victims of modern slavery so that those who are compelled to commit an offence are not treated as criminals by the criminal justice system. It is particularly important that victims of modern slavery have the confidence to come forward and give evidence against their enslavers.
• This bill will give the courts new powers to order perpetrators of slavery and trafficking to pay Reparation Orders to their victims. Where the perpetrator has assets available, the court would have to consider making an Order to provide reparation to the victim for the harm that they have suffered and give reasons if it does not
• Extending special measures so that all victims of modern slavery can be supported through the criminal justice process.
• Existing legislation on special measures includes some specific provisions for trafficking cases, the Bill will extend these provisions to also cover slavery, servitude and forced labour.
• Providing statutory guidance on victim identification and victim services.
• Providing an enabling power for child advocates to support child victims of trafficking.
• Creating a statutory duty for public bodies including the police, local authorities and immigration personnel to notify the National Crime Agency about potential victims of modern slavery.

British government is working at international level with high risk source countries to try and stop people becoming victims in the first place.

India is among the top 10 countries of origin for poor people who are trafficked into Britain.