International Legislation

Below are some of the key international conventions and directives that deal with child trafficking and modern slavery.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

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Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings

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EU Directive 2011/36/EU

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United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocols Thereto

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Latest

Surge in identification of potential child victims of trafficking raises concerns about support

There was a dramatic increase in the number of potential child victims of trafficking identified in the UK last year, raising concerns about UK authorities’ ability to respond to rising numbers of victims in light of potential reductions in support.
ECPAT UK to give expert evidence before the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)

On Monday, 11th February, ECPAT UK to give expert evidence before the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) on the protection of children abroad from sexual exploitation by those with links to England and Wales
Child trafficking, exploitation and modern slavery

ECPAT UK represents the rights of children affected by trafficking in a wide range of forums at the international, national and local level. We use evidence from our youth work, training and research to secure positive change in policy, legislation and practice to protect and promote the rights of all children who may have been trafficked.
About us

ECPAT UK is a leading children's rights organisation working to protect children from child trafficking and transnational child exploitation. We support children everywhere to uphold their rights and to live a life free from abuse and exploitation.

Legislation (England)

Key legislation in England relating to child trafficking and modern slavery.
Legislation (Wales)

Key legislation in Wales relating to child trafficking and modern slavery.
Legislation (Scotland)

Key legislation in Scotland relating to child trafficking and modern slavery.

The Secret Gardeners: New film on child trafficking from Vietnam

The Secret Gardeners aims to inform professionals about the plight of children who are forced by organised crime gangs to grow drugs in houses across the UK but who often face criminalisation and prison.
The National Referral Mechanism

The National Referral Mechanism is a process set up by the Government to identify and support victims of trafficking in the UK. It was born out of the Government's obligation to identify victims under the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Human Trafficking, which came into force on 1 February 2008.
Demand specialist support for trafficked children

In 2018 we worked with Care2 to call on the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid MP, to overhaul the current system of identification and support for victims of trafficking – the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).
Urgent action needed: Independent guardianship for all trafficked and unaccompanied children

This year, an incredible 120,535 supporters called for specialist support for all trafficked children. However, the fight is not finished and with the Modern Slavery Act currently under review, it’s now or never to make sure your voice is heard. Will you take 5 minutes to contact your MP asking them to raise this issue with the Home Secretary?
Volunteer

ECPAT UK relies on committed volunteers to support the work that we do. Without their help, we would not be able to campaign as effectively against child exploitation.
Before the Harm is Done: Examining the UK's response to the prevention of trafficking

The UK Government is failing to protect thousands of children from exploitation by lacking a plan to prevent child trafficking, according to a new report by the Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group (ATMG), a coalition of twelve UK-based charities, including ECPAT UK. The report Before the Harm is Done, stresses that the UK has no specific strategy in relation to preventing trafficking in children, putting thousands of children at risk.
Child trafficking statistics
Heading back to harm: A study on trafficked and unaccompanied children going missing from care in the UK

Trafficked and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are going missing from UK care at an “alarmingly high” rate, according to a new study by leading charities ECPAT UK and Missing People.
Our team

ECPAT UK's team has more than 30 years' experience working on issues of child trafficking, child protection, child sexual exploitation, unaccompanied children, modern slavery and more.
ECPAT UK training

ECPAT UK offers a comprehensive training programme, in line with National Occupational Standards, delivering courses for more than 20 years to help improve responses to child trafficking, modern slavery and exploitation.