Freedom CitiesEmpowering People to Keep Safe

The key role of Sheffield in the creation of a campaign whereby cities are

recognised by the EU for their work in actively combating human trafficking

Key Facts

• Estimated 27 million victims worldwide.• 80% women, 15% children.• Estimated 2600 victims in UK sex industry.• Present, but hidden, in all our communities.• 2005, Sheffield – first conviction for trafficking.• In 2011, 8 trafficking convictions compared to

over 60,000 drugs convictions.• EU Directive 2011/36/EU.

Concept of Freedom Cities

• Community-based approach to tackling trafficking.

• Sheffield to become first Freedom City; concept then extended to other UK and/or EU cities.

• Sheffield working together to raise awareness of human trafficking, implement preventative measures, support victims, raise funds ...

Development of Concept

• Presentation to SEB, 8 October 2014; concept “fully endorsed”.

• Advisory Group met 26 Nov 2014 and 8 Jan 2015. Working Group developed detailed criteria for Freedom City accreditation.

• Report of Advisory Group presented to SEB,11 February 2015.

Pledge to …

• Endorse principles of Freedom Cities.• Take a coordinated approach to prevent and

combat human trafficking.• Prepare an EU funding bid; explore other funding

opportunities.• Pilot and evaluate Freedom Cities within Sheffield.• Form a group to continue and expand training and

awareness raising.• Identify a “focal point” in each organisation.

Next Steps

• Agree to sign pledge - date and venue.• Plan working groups.• Second pilot of TRUTH online awareness

raising course.