Sunderland landmarks to be lit white for UK Anti Slavery Day

Sunderland landmarks, including Keel Square, Northern Spire, Fullwell Mill and Penshaw Monument will all be lit up white on Monday, October 19, as the International Community Organisation of Sunderland (ICOS) marks the day.

ICOS provides help and support for victims of modern slavery through their ‘Back In Control’ programme which provides needs-tailored andintensive support for victims, enabling them to access housing, financial support and legal employment.

ICOS have also been holding a number of events in an effort to raise awareness of modern day slavery.

A spokesperson said: “Slavery still exists. As we speak, an average of one in 200 people in the world are victims of modern slavery, deprived of freedom and exploited for their labour, forced into prostitution or domestic servitude. In the UK, there has been a 17% increase in victims since 2015.

"Every day, victims are rescued from modern slavery and their difficult journey to rebuild their lives begins.”

Over the weekend, ICOS held online events raise awareness of modern day slavery and also celebrate the achievements of the Back In Control project.

ICOS is a local charity which aims to improve the quality of life of BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) people in the North East and to enhance community cohesion and intercultural understanding in this area.

The charity was launched in 2009 and has helped support of 100 victims of modern day slavery with national lottery funding for the Back In Control project.

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