Church groups in Europe have welcomed the entry into force of a pan-European convention against human trafficking, and described it as a major step in ensuring the protection of the human rights of trafficked persons in Europe.

A five-year campaign by human rights campaigners, including the Franciscan religious order, has influenced the Human Rights Council of the United Nations to has decide to appoint a Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery.

Archbishops Rowan Williams and John Sentamu have taken their message about slavery to YouTube. But are events to mark abolition of the transatlantic trade ignoring the key role of black people in its demise?

The London Metropolitan police are continuing their initiative against the trafficking of vulnerable women and girls, in cooperation with NGOs, churches and other agencies