Summit Unites Anglican Leaders in Fight Against Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery

Marking the first time a global Anglican gathering has been held in the Church of North India, the Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery conference is this week gathering over 50 global participants to share expertise, strengthen relationships, and equip churches to respond more effectively to the evils of the flesh trade.

Led by the Diocese of Durgapur (Church of North India), in collaboration with USPG, the conference aims to develop the strong partnerships necessary to effectively respond to human trafficking and modern slavery across the global Anglican Communion. The Diocese of Durgapur has been chosen as host because of its long-established and highly effective anti-trafficking programme, run in partnership with USPG.

From Hong Kong to Kenya, delegates from around the world stood together, united against human trafficking.

It is estimated that 49.6 million people are currently living in modern slavery globally, including forced labour and forced marriage, with criminal profits from forced labour now estimated at over £185 billion annually. In India alone, it is thought that roughly 11 million people are living in modern slavery as recently as 2021 – the highest estimated total number of people living in modern slavery of any country.

During the conference, delegates will take part in a field visit to see the Diocese of Durgapur’s anti-trafficking programme in action and learn directly from the communities and practitioners involved. The group comprises a wide range of experience, including safe-home volunteers from Hong Kong and Calais, a human rights lawyer from Brazil, a gender-based violence advocate from Zambia, and church leaders representing multiple continents.

Speaking at the conference, The Rt Revd Sameer Isaac Khimla, Bishop of Durgapur, said:

“Human trafficking continues to be one of the darkest realities of our time, affecting millions, stripping individuals of their identity, freedom, and hope. As a Church and as a community rooted in faith and compassion, we cannot stand by in silence”.

The Revd Canon Dr Duncan Dormor, General Secretary of USPG, added:

“This conference is more than a meeting. It is space for shared learning, honest dialogue, and collaborative action. I sincerely hope that our time together will inspire fresh insights and strengthen our collective efforts to protect and empower at-risk communities – not only in India, but around the world.”

The Revd Canon Dr Peniel Rajkumar, Global Theologian and Director of Global Mission at USPG, said:

“These are not distant statistics: they are real people created in God’s image, with inherent worth, dignity, and value, regardless of status or circumstance. Because of this, the Church cannot remain passive. As Christians, we are called to respond: to “let the oppressed go free” (Isaiah 58:6), to “seek justice, rescue the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17), and to proclaim “freedom for the captives” (Luke 4:18).”

The conference is also being made possible through the generous support of Westminster Abbey and the Anglican Communion Fund.