Joining Forces Against Modern Slavery: Stop Trafficking Worldwide Partners with UK Home Office
Stop Trafficking Worldwide is proud to announce an exciting step forward in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery: a growing collaboration with the UK Home Office. This collaboration has already seen Home Office officials speaking on panels and engaging in one-to-one meetings to explore how to work together more effectively. Out of the Home Office’s 27 agencies, the collaboration will focus primarily on the Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). Together, there is a shared goal to tackle labour exploitation through awareness, education, and practical solutions. A key initiative within this partnership involves integrating Stop Trafficking Worldwide’s educational booklets, All About Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery, into Home Office training sessions. These materials are already in use at Citizens Advice Bureaus and with the Metropolitan Police, and now will play an expanded role in equipping frontline staff and organisations to recognise and respond effectively to signs of trafficking and exploitation. One pressing issue addressed by this collaboration is the situation of approximately 40,000 displaced people in the UK holding visas to work in adult social care but lacking proper sponsorship. The UK faces a significant shortage of nurses and care workers, and these gaps could be addressed if visa sponsorships were properly managed. Since March 2023, adult social care was added to skilled visa sponsorship, but there are reports of insufficient due diligence in sponsorship approvals, primarily affecting individuals from Nigeria, Ghana, India, and Bangladesh. The GLAA has compiled a full list of those affected. Through this partnership, there is a strong push for safeguarding victims and ensuring a clear distinction between victims and criminals in all Home Office procedures. By combining Stop Trafficking Worldwide’s expertise with the Home Office’s regulatory power, the aim is to make a real difference for vulnerable individuals and to address exploitation properly. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the UK’s ongoing fight against modern slavery, with Stop Trafficking Worldwide committed to its role as a trusted partner in awareness, education, and advocacy. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Strengthening the Fight Against Human Trafficking: Insights from Oikos, Portugal
Strengthening the Fight Against Human Trafficking: Insights from Oikos (Portugal) 12 September 2025 — Elsa Caseirito, Ambassador for Portugal, StopHumanTrafficking.co.uk Oikos: engaging youth through art-based education (photo: Oikos). On 12 September 2025, I had the privilege of meeting with representatives from Oikos, a Portuguese non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing social and environmental causes. As the Ambassador for Portugal at StopHumanTrafficking.co.uk, I was particularly interested in learning more about Oikos’s initiatives to combat human trafficking — a mission they pursue with remarkable creativity and commitment. Funding Challenges and Institutional Support Oikos’s department focused on human trafficking receives funding from the Comissão para a Cidadania e a Igualdade de Género (CIG), Portugal’s Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality. However, the department’s sustainability is closely tied to the launch of specific campaigns by CIG. In the absence of such campaigns, the department operates with minimal resources, often limited to a single coordinator. This constraint reflects a broader issue seen across many nations: the lack of consistent governmental support for anti-trafficking efforts. Empowering Youth Through Education One of Oikos’s most innovative strategies involves engaging young people through education. Based in northern Portugal, the organization partners with local secondary schools to raise awareness among students. Their approach centers on art-based projects, where students explore the topic of human trafficking under the guidance of teachers and then share their insights with peers. This peer-to-peer model has proven highly effective, fostering deeper understanding and emotional engagement among youth. To support these efforts, Oikos distributes educational kits to schools, enabling structured discussions and creative expression. Their outreach also extends to social workers and educators, ensuring that the message reaches a broader audience and builds a network of informed advocates. A Call for Renewed Campaigns Despite the success of past initiatives, Oikos’s last major campaign took place nearly two years ago, and no new campaigns are currently planned. During our meeting, we agreed to maintain communication and continue exchanging knowledge and resources to support this vital cause. Looking Ahead Oikos exemplifies the power of grassroots innovation in the fight against human trafficking. Their dedication, especially in empowering children and educators, is both inspiring and essential. At StopHumanTrafficking.co.uk, we remain committed to supporting organizations like Oikos and amplifying their impact through collaboration and advocacy. — Elsa Caseirito, Ambassador for Portugal, StopHumanTrafficking.co.uk If you’d like to support Oikos or learn more about their educational resources, get in touch or follow our updates.
