WALES’ important work in confronting the illegal trade of human trafficking has been highlighted at a meeting in Tenby.

Tenby Soroptimists invited Anti-Slavery co-ordinator for Wales, Stephen Chapman to speak as part of their continued campaign to tackle human trafficking.

Mr Chapman was the former deputy director at the UK Border Agency and more recently, helped organise security for the Olympic Games.

He addressed a large number of Soroptimists and friends, as well as representatives from other organisations including Tenby Rotary Club and Tenby Inner Wheel.

He explained that Wales is now leading the way in the fight against human trafficking, and other nations are watching its work with interest.

He defined ‘slavery’ as the movement of one person from one place to another, within a country or across borders, into conditions of exploitation against their will, and gave some disturbing data about reported cases of slavery in the UK.

The 2014 National Referral Mechanism, which is the current measurement for slavery, estimates that there are between 10,000 and 13,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK.

Recently in North Wales, 11 migrant workers - mostly from Romania - were found to be living in appalling conditions in a building. Operation Base involved the co-ordination of over 20 partner agencies, including the police and Soroptimist International.

He reminded his audience at the Giltar Hotel that modern-day slavery is not a hidden crime, and every person has a part to play in rescuing victims from their misery.

Anyone who suspects traffickers are working in their area should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

All proceeds from the talk will be given to BAWSO, the first support agency for victims of modern slavery in Wales.

For more information on SI Tenby’s campaign to tackle human trafficking, visit sigbi.org/tenby