Marking the first UN World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the Archbishop of Canterbury welcomes government efforts to combat human trafficking, and urges churches to take a lead role in the “new abolitionist movement” by supporting Freedom Sunday on 19 October.

In a statement today, Archbishop Justin Welby, said:

"It beggars belief to think that, 200 years after William Wilberforce's success in abolishing the transatlantic slave trade, the trade in human beings continues at such a pace that we need a UN World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

“I am very pleased that the United Kingdom Government is bringing forward legislation to combat a shameful and shadowy practice that deprives people of their freedom and their God-given dignity. I hope MPs and Peers will take this opportunity to agree to a series of robust measures, not least in the area of business supply chains,that set the standard for the rest of the world.

“I encourage churches to be at the forefront of this new abolitionist movement, by taking steps to raise awareness now and by coming together with others around the world on 19 October, Freedom Sunday, in a day of worship, prayer and action on human trafficking."

+Justin Cantuar

30 July 2014