MODERN SLAVERY ACT (2015): A CRITICAL INSIGHT INTO THE UK’S FIGHT AGAINST SLAVERY & HUMAN TRAFFICKING FROM THE VICTIM’S PERSPECTIVE, A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract: Modern Slavery is a complex type of crime. It may take many forms starting from the forced labor, servitude, sexual exploitation, organ harvesting, slavery, to trafficking and others. UK’s Modern Slavery Act, 2015 is undoubtedly an admirable effort to tackle such heinous crimes in the society however the act is criticized as weak regarding the victim support and wellbeing during and after the identification. All potential victims upon consent are referred at first by the first responders to National Referral Mechanism (NRM) process which is a UK framework adopted in 2009 in line with the council of Europe’s directives to identify & support victims of modern slavery. There are two separate guidance’s regarding the NRM process one is for England & Wales and the other is for Scotland & Northern Ireland. The aim of this literature review study is to explore the wellbeing status of the modern slavery victims during the post identification (NRM) period and how does the act support such victims. The study finds that it lacks a needs-based support system for victims that addresses issues like safe housing, advocacy, adequate so called “reflection and recovery” time period of support resulting in poor trust and confidence among the victim groups upon the authorities. Moreover, structural changes like amendments to the labor, immigration laws are required to make a long-term meaningful impact on the lives of the victims. At last the author provides some recommendations about the matters affecting the lives of the victims the most.