A MINISTERIAL commitment to implement modern-day slavery legislation must not “lose momentum” following the election in June, a group of charities has said.
Friends of Africa Jersey Channel Islands, Caritas Jersey, Liberate Jersey, the Kenyans in Jersey Committee, the Jersey Community Relations Trust and the Salvation Army Jersey issued a statement following a government announcement on Monday.
Ministers confirmed plans to bring forward “dedicated modern-slavery legislation for Jersey”, with a focus on “preventing exploitation, improving support and protection for victims, and ensuring the authorities have clear powers, safeguards and accountability to tackle modern slavery effectively”.
Calls for bolstered legal safeguards for migrant workers gathered pace following last week’s sentencing of Deputy Philip Ozouf for immigration offences relating to the illegal employment of Rwandan nationals.
Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat has said the updated laws will provide “clear, practical protection against exploitation for everyone in our community”.
“Cases in Jersey may be rare, but even one case of exploitation is one too many,” the minister stated yesterday.
“This legislation will give enforcement agencies clearer powers and stronger protection for people at risk. By listening to frontline services, employers and those with lived experience, we will design a modern legal framework that reflects best practice.”
Reacting to the announcement, the charities said that they “recognise this statement as an important and positive indication of intent” and acknowledged “the significance of such recognition at ministerial level”.
But they noted that the introduction of such legislation would involve “substantial procedural, legal, and administrative steps” and said they were “mindful that the Assembly is due to be dissolved shortly”.
“In that context, there is understandable concern among charities and the wider public regarding continuity, delivery, and accountability should there be a change in ministerial leadership or policy priorities,” the statement continued.
“Experience has shown that initiatives of this kind can lose momentum if not sufficiently embedded within governmental processes and culture.”
The charities stressed that they “remain ready to work alongside ministers, officials, and stakeholders to help ensure that modern-day slavery legislation is not only introduced, but meaningfully enacted and sustained”.
“We would also like to thank the Jersey public for their patience, and to acknowledge the efforts of ministers, including the Home Affairs Minister, in initiating this process,” the statement added.
“At the same time, we respectfully seek greater transparency regarding the proposed execution plan, particularly in light of the impending dissolution of the Assembly.
“Our shared concern is to ensure that this commitment results in durable legislative change, regardless of political transition, and that protections against modern-day slavery in Jersey are not delayed, diluted, or set aside due to shifts in government or priorities.
“We remain constructive, engaged, and hopeful and we look forward to working together to see this legislation brought fully into effect for the benefit of all.”
