The Salvation Army 2024 Anti-Trafficking Summit: From Slavery to Freedom held in the heart of London has concluded with a resounding call to action and a beacon of hope for survivors worldwide. Survivor leaders such as Bishop Donna Hubbard, Executive Director of Woman At The Well Transition Center – USA, and Director of Human Trafficking Awareness and Training for Airline Ambassadors International lending their voices to the cause, marked a pivotal moment in the global fight against human trafficking. Many thanks to Andrew Smith of the University of Hull and Professor Simon Green of the Wilberforce Institute for collectively working to add, research, data and logistics for this summit.
Hosted by Major Kathy Bettridge and featuring an amazing lineup of presenters and panelists, survivors shared their harrowing yet resilient journeys, reminding attendees of the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of exploitation. Their stories underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat trafficking and support survivors on their path to recovery. Presenters included Dr. Carole Murphy & Anta Brachou of the Bakhita Centre, St Mary’s University, who highlighted the importance of Cultural Competency in Addressing Modern Slavery. Zoe Bantleman, Legal Director of Immigration Law Practitioners Associations engaged the attendees in the Rwanda Bill & Survivors of Trafficking.
The summit emphasized the importance of collaborations and partnerships that create bridges where gaps in victims’ services, data collection, training and development for law enforcement and healthcare providers effectively tackle this multifaceted issue.
Bishop Donna Hubbard’s presence and impassioned advocacy catalyzed renewed commitment and solidarity among participants. Donna used her insight to provide invaluable guidance on creating survivor-centered solutions and voices in anti-trafficking efforts and ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes. She demonstrated an invaluable partnership with Airline Ambassadors in addressing trafficking and smuggling within the aviation industry by tying opportunities and obstacles and the need for additional training for critical stakeholders.
Moving forward, the summit’s participants pledged to redouble their efforts to combat trafficking and support survivors. Iris Winkle with Snowdrop Project led a Master Class discussing how to Prevent and Manage Vicarious Trauma.
As the curtains closed on this momentous gathering, the spirit of determination and solidarity ignited at “From Slavery to Freedom” will continue illuminating creative paths in pursuit of rescue, recovery, restoration and re-entry. One of the most inspiring suggestions was “FAST TRACK VISAS” presented by Phillipa Roberts, Head of Legal Policy for “Hope for Justice which would eliminate the inability of survivors in the UK to work and earn a living while waiting for visas that can take up to 3 years.
