More than Words: how definitions impact on the UK’s response to child trafficking and exploitation

A new report from ECPAT UK co-commissioned by the UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) at the University of Oxford reveals significant issues with the UK's approach to child trafficking and exploitation terminology leaving many children formally unrecognised. In 2024 alone, over half (61%) of all child referrals into the NRM were refused as a result of not meeting the definition of a ‘modern slavery’ (slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour or human trafficking) victim. These figures starkly illustrate how the choice of definition directly shapes a child’s access to formal identification.

CLICK HERE TO READ the full report.

CLICK HERE TO READ the Executive Summary.