Why should the International Development Committee examine this area?

The International Development Committee should examine whether it is possible to provide training and education to survivors of trafficking in human beings (THB) coming from third countries before returning them.  This is because the risk for survivors to become THB’s victims again is very high.    In addition, many third countries are not prepared to accept their nationals back as they do not have anything in return.  Instead, if survivors are trained and taught how to avoid becoming THB victims, they will return well equipped to their countries of origin and will bring with them their knowledge acquired through different training.  These trainings can permit them to develop employment opportunity for the local population, and this might prevent that vulnerable people become THB victims.

Why is it the right time for the Committee to examine the area?

This is the right time because other regions in the world are planning something similar.  I am referring to the EU where the Trafficking Directive has been amended in 2024 and it includes the establishment of a European referral mechanism which could provide protection to all THB survivors and facilitate their voluntary return by equipping them with training and knowledge that could permit them not to be revictimized and to acquire skills and knowledge that could contribute to increase economic opportunities for people living in their countries of origin. The EU is planning an uniform referral mechanism in EU Member States and the UK could contribute to these policies as the new government is willing to cooperate with the EU on the THB fighting.

Why would this area benefit from parliamentary scrutiny (that is, the close investigation of Government policies, actions and spending)?

It would benefit because it is very difficult to return all survivors of THB to their countries of origin for the reasons explained above and many of them live in the UK as undocumented migrants.  Instead, equipping them with the right skills to be successful in their countries of origin, would make them to wish to return voluntarily. Voluntary returns are less expensive than forced returns.  Therefore, this issue should be carefully scrutinised. 

Why does the Government need to act in this area?

The government should prioritize voluntary return rather than forced return of THB survivors since is less costly.  This policy would also decrease the number of undocumented migrants living in the UK which are vulnerable to THB and in some cases can be a threat to public security.

How could Government policy in this area be developed or improved?

Focusing on the referral mechanism and reforming it to develop policies which could really make the difference in the reduction of THB’s victims.  THB only focused on repressive measures against criminal organisations does not contribute to reduce the crime if people are not given the opportunity to escape their traffickers and not to be victimised again.

• Have you ever engaged with Parliament before (e.g. made a submission to a select committee)?

Yes. 

Written Evidence submitted to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 in 2024.

Written evidence submitted to the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee in 2023.

Written evidence submitted to the House of Lords, International Agreements Committee in 2022.

• Do you have personal or field experience related to international development issues?
• Yes.  I have experience on tacking human trafficking by reducing poverty in countries of origin.

• If you are invited to pitch your idea to the Committee, would you be able to travel to London and back within the same day?

• No