OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking visits the United Kingdom to analyse national anti-trafficking response

LONDON, 7 November 2022 – OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Valiant Richey will visit the United Kingdom from 7 to 11 November. The visit is organized in co-operation with the national authorities to promote the full implementation of OSCE commitments in the field of anti-trafficking. 

Special Representative Richey will analyse comprehensively anti-trafficking efforts. In particular, he will focus on the impending amendments to the UK's Modern Slavery Act and the Nationality and Borders Bill's impact on the protection of trafficking victims. Richey will enquire about the current response to trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, particularly online. He will also discuss prevention and protection measures to mitigate child trafficking and trafficking risks for Ukrainians fleeing the war. 

The Special Representative will meet key anti-human trafficking national stakeholders and NGOs, including: Home Office/Modern Slavery Unit's Deputy Director Hannah Pooley, UK Migration and Modern Slavery Envoy Andrew Patrick, MPs members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, and All-Party Parliamentary Group on Commercial Sexual Exploitation (including MP Dame Diana Johnson), CEO of global network ‘Stop the Traffik's’ Ruth Dearnley, and Furnival Chambers' barrister Caroline Haughey. 

Richey will also meet the former UK Prime Minister, Lady Theresa May.  

He will then travel to Scotland and meet with the Scottish Government and relevant anti-trafficking stakeholders. 

For further information, please contact Lilia Rotoloni, Public Information Officer, by e-mail: [email protected].