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Rotary shows commitment to helping end modern slavery

Rotary shows commitment to helping end modern slavery

John Kenny (far right), Past President of Rotary International and Mark Little (far left), Chair of the Rotary Action Group Against Child Slavery, accompanied Judith Diment (second from left), Rotary International Representative to the Commonwealth of Nations, to the Santa Marta Conference on human slavery. The event was organised by the Home Office, Metropolitan Police […]

John Kenny (far right), Past President of Rotary International and Mark Little (far left), Chair of the Rotary Action Group Against Child Slavery, accompanied Judith Diment (second from left), Rotary International Representative to the Commonwealth of Nations, to the Santa Marta Conference on human slavery.

The event was organised by the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and the Catholic Church for the Santa Marta Group, a global partnership which takes a lead on slavery issues. Over thirty countries sent representatives, which included chief law enforcement officers, politicians, diplomats and bishops.

The keynote address was given by Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Theresa May and also on the panel were Karen Bradley (third from left), Minister for Slavery, HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and Sir Bernard Hogan How, Chief of the Metropolitan Police.

Judith Diment said: “This was a very timely conference as the Modern Slavery Bill is currently going through parliament. I am very proud that Rotary was invited and will be involved going forward.”

The Rotarians attended workshops on slavery in Europe and Asia and John Kenny gave a briefing on the work of the Rotary Action Group Against Child Slavery.

Judith added: “Awareness of slavery needs all the publicity it can get as most people think it is a thing of the past. The reality is that there are 35 million slaves globally.”

Rotarians in 62 countries are supporting the Rotary Action Group Against Child Slavery and Rotarians in Atlanta are organising a conference on slavery in May at which President Jimmy Carter will be present.

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