UK failing to protect trafficked children’s rights amid systemic failures

A new report from ECPAT UK and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner reveals systemic failures that mean the UK is failing to protect trafficked children.

Despite a 138% rise in child trafficking cases over five years and British children accounting for 78% of referrals to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) in 2023, critical legal and policy gaps persist.

The report, released earlier this week on Human Rights Day (10 December 2024) urges the UK Government to invest in children’s services and long-term prevention with a cross-departmental and UK-wide Child Exploitation Strategy to combat this terrible criminal abuse of children.

Critically it calls for the repeal of damaging provisions in the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 and the Illegal Migration Act 2023, which rolled back children’s rights and hinder the protection of trafficked children.

It also calls on the Home Office to provide confirmed child victims of trafficking with a minimum five-year grant of immigration leave and a clear route to settlement, ensuring compliance with international obligations and prioritising children’s best interests.

Without these changes, the report warns that trafficked children face heightened risks of re-exploitation and instability. The lack of long-term support undermines their recovery, leaving them vulnerable to further harm.

“This report lays bare the UK’s failure to protect trafficked children and deliver justice for victims,” Eleanor Lyons, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, said.

“The Government has a legal and moral duty to prioritise the rights of trafficked children, yet systemic failings allow their suffering to persist. Human rights cannot remain a promise on paper—they must result in action.”

The report calls on the government to integrate a human-rights-based approach across all anti-trafficking efforts, ensuring children are protected, justice is delivered, and systemic issues are addressed.

Patricia Durr, CEO of Every Child Protected Against Trafficking (ECPAT UK) added that harmful laws and systemic failings are denying children basic rights.

“Repealing damaging migration policies and granting long-term protection to child victims isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential to breaking the cycle of exploitation.

“The UK must step up and deliver on its promises to protect children and combat child abuse. A cross-government, UK-wide strategy coupled with serious investment in children and young people, is the only way to ensure it does.”