Forster hired to help tackle human trafficking in the UK
Forster Communications has been selected by Shiva Foundation to help promote its work to tackle human trafficking and modern slavery in the UK.
Last night, Theresa May called for the UK to lead the global fight against human trafficking.
Established in 2012 by Shiva Hotels founder Rishi Sachdev and his wife Meenal Sachdev, Shiva Foundation looks to prevent human trafficking and slavery in the UK by working in partnership with individuals, businesses and communities.
Forster, which was appointed following a competitive pitch, will support Shiva Foundation by raising its profile and highlighting how the organisation works with individuals, businesses and communities to build practical solutions to stop human trafficking.
The first stream of work will focus on promoting Shiva Foundation’s aim to create an industry-wide commitment to tackle modern slavery in hotels.
Shiva Foundation, which is funded by Shiva Hotels, will convene leading hoteliers at a roundtable in early November to enable the industry to create a collective commitment to address slavery.
Meenal Sachdev said: “We’re excited to be working with Forster, which brings strong experience in communicating important societal issues. With their support we want to raise awareness of modern slavery in the UK and particularly work towards an industry-wide model to help hotels tackle this crucial human rights concern.”
Forster’s chief executive, Amanda Powell-Smith, added: “Since the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act, this terrible crime has rightly risen up the corporate agenda. It is a complex issue and Shiva Foundation is leading the way with its collaborative approach and willingness to raise its head and actively communicate. We look forward to working with them and their partners, and helping to end the misery of human trafficking, slavery and bonded labour.”
Yesterday (12 October), the UK’s anti-slavery commissioner, Kevin Hyland, released his annual report, which states that police are failing to curb modern slavery. This is the first official review of how law enforcement agencies respond to the crime of modern slavery.
At a service at Westminster Abbey last night to remember 18th Century anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, Theresa May called for the UK to lead the global fight against human trafficking.
The Prime Minister said: “Our challenge – the challenge for each and every one of us here today – is to ensure that the fight against slavery carries on – to free people from the bonds of servitude, to free those in mental chains, and to free people from the clutches of slave drivers and traffickers.”
