Don’t Deliver Human Trafficking Victims Back to Danger

Target: Dawn Wilson, Managing Director of TUI Airways Limited

Goal: Stop deportation flights that take potential human trafficking victims back to Vietnam.

The United Kingdom (UK) may be sending countless victims of human trafficking back into the hands of their abusers and exploiters. Every year, individuals of all ages are coerced or even forced into making the trek from Vietnam to the UK. Once they arrive, they endure what amounts to modern slavery in “businesses” ranging from cannabis farms to nail bars. At these under-handed establishments, the laborers are forced to work for bare-minimum wages far below a living standard and in deplorable conditions. The Home Office of Immigration Enforcement is fully aware of these trafficked individuals, but instead of helping the victims they are placing them in further danger.

Annually, the Home Office conducts a so-called “summer season” of deportation flights from the UK to various countries, including Vietnam. In the latest round, roughly two dozen Vietnamese-born people were placed on these flights. Only about six went voluntarily, while some remained in detention camps until their spirits and their hopes were finally worn away.  Nearly all of these individuals exhibited clear signs of human trafficking and boarded their flights incredibly fearful about what would await them upon departure. One young woman even reportedly endured two attempts to force her onto the flights before her foster family intervened. For so many more human beings, however, no such aid is imminent.

The Home Office will not reverse its cold stance, but a refugee support organization has asked the flight company responsible for delivering these people back to oppression and exploitation to end these inhumane ventures. Sign the petition below to join in the calls for empathy and compassion.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Ms. Wilson,

Every year, this company helps put an untold number of human beings back under the control of their traffickers and abusers. When the SOAS Detainee Support Group implored you to end your association with the heartless deportation flights arranged by the Home Office of Immigrant Enforcement, you declined to even respond. Could you look just one of these refugees in the eyes and continue with your silence?

Just this year, your organization helped return nearly two dozen fearful, exploited, and likely trafficked Vietnamese nationals to desperation and daily fights for survival. Your apparent indifference allows this self-centered culture of disregard for others and of lacking basic human decency to thrive. Please set a different standard. The world really needs it right now.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Loifotos


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