Southern Law PhD Conference

  • Amy Weatherburn (Speaker)

Activity: Talk or presentationTalk or presentation at a conference

Description

Abstract: The Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the Act) emphasises victim identification and protection with the overall aim of increasing the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions. In addition, the Act purports to manifest an ‘international commitment to tackle modern slavery through 3Ps: prevention, prosecution and protection’. To what extent does this “flagship” Act adopt a human rights-based approach to modern slavery as advocated for in the context of human trafficking? Will the proposed “symbolic” legislation and subsequent policy and operational initiatives be sufficient to addressing modern slavery? By examining the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Act as well as the complementary measures outlined in Modern Slavery Strategy, this paper will analyse the gaps that must be addressed to ensure an effective human rights-based approach is adopted, including addressing the situation of Overseas Domestic Workers following changes to the Immigration Rules in 2012; the legislative basis of the AntiSlavery Commissioner and the need to ensure their independence from the Executive; expansion of the remit of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority so as to ensure an effective labour protection framework; the need for specific recognition of child victims of modern slavery; and the legislative basis of Child Trafficking Advocates. Overall, this paper will consider whether the UK’s commitment could be considered a model of good practice in the global fight against modern slavery, replicable in other legal settings.
Period1 May 2015
Event titleSouthern Law PhD Conference
Event typeConcert
LocationPortsmouth, United KingdomShow on map