The UK’s second Anti-Slavery Day on Tuesday 18 October will have a bigger profile as it highlights the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking. Dalit Freedom Network UK is one of a number of UK-based organisations seeking to end slavery, including human trafficking, in Britain and around the world. Together they are calling for an end to modern slavery once and for all.

Anti-Slavery Day was established by an Act of Parliament, steered through by MP and veteran anti-trafficking campaigner Anthony Steen who now heads up the Human Trafficking Foundation. The debates on the subject included a moving speech by Lord Alton on the plight of India’s Dalits who are so vulnerable to human trafficking and slavery. At this year's Anti-Slavery Day Awards, Lord Alton repeated his plea for urgent action on the issue. Dalit Freedom Network UK hopes that Anti-Slavery Day itself will raise awareness about Dalit trafficking.

National and Nationwide Events

Anti-trafficking organisations along with national and local government, as well as community groups, will be marking the day with a variety of activities and events. Local and national media will be carrying features and reports on the issues. The success of last year’s event was limited by the short amount of time between the announcement of the date and the Day itself; this year the longer run-up has enabled much more to be planned.

DFN UK will have information stands at a series of film screenings organised by Unchosen, a Bristol based anti-trafficking charity, under the banner of ‘Breaking Down Barriers’, and at ‘Dangerous Songs that Changed the World’. The latter takes place at Holy Trinity Clapham on Wednesday 19 October, which has historic links to the campaign against the Transatlantic Slave Trade over 200 years ago. We will also be present at the inaugural Anti-Slavery Day Awards in the Houses of Parliament on 17 October, and a Reception hosted by the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street to mark the Day.

The Anti-Slavery Day website (hosted by Anti-Slavery International) has details of these and many more events during that week, including public events in Trafalgar Square and Russell Square. There will also be some excitement on the River Thames with the Row For Freedom boat, 'The Guardian', making waves. DFN supporter Julia Immonen , Director of Sport Against Trafficking, and her ‘oarsome’ crew will be present. The six women are attempting to become the first all-female crew to row the Atlantic, and will use this to highlight the issue of child trafficking.

New DFN anti-slavery initiative

DFN UK will be marking the Day with an important announcement about an exciting initiative to tackle ritualised sex slavery in India. Look out for details as they appear on this website.

There is still time for Dalit Freedom Champions and Action Groups to organise local activities for the Day to highlight the issue of Dalit trafficking. Organisers can let us know what is happening, and can register the event on the Anti-Slavery Day events webpage.