PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – Statement on Contemporary Slavery [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 September 2023.

UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of Slavery. Delivered at the 54th UN Human Rights Council.

Thank you, Mr President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his ongoing efforts and his latest report on homelessness and contemporary forms of slavery.

Women and children are disproportionately affected by forms of exploitation and homelessness. Discriminatory laws and practices significantly increase the risks that they face. And as the report states: female-headed households constitute a staggering 70% of the world’s homeless or inadequately housed population.

The UK fully recognises that individuals who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, may be more vulnerable to becoming victims of modern slavery. Particularly where they have associated support needs. We are fully committed to working with all partners to raise awareness, to prevention, and to protecting victims of modern slavery.

This year, the UK updated our Guidance on providing homelessness services to victims of modern slavery. This will help local authorities more effectively support victims. We hope that these efforts will improve understanding of the National Referral Mechanism and its interaction with statutory homelessness duties.

Special Rapporteur,

What more can be done to raise awareness and enhance our understanding of the linkages between homelessness and contemporary forms of slavery?