Into the Sunlight
Launching our first blog series we introduce key members of the SOHTIS team. Understand their passion, how they came to be involved in anti-human trafficking work and their vision for what SOHTIS can achieve.
Sir Jack Stewart-Clark is the co-founder of Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland, established in October 2018 and the Chairman and Managing Director of Dundas Estate Limited.
We asked Sir Jack
How did you discover the extent of the human trafficking problem in Scotland?
“Having specialised in the field of illegal drugs whilst a Member of the European Parliament, I was alarmed, in recent years, to discover that the trade in human beings and their enslavement is a growing issue globally and becoming equally concerning across the UK, including here in Scotland. Following this discovery, I committed to finding out more and spent over twelve months intensively researching and discussing this with knowledgeable people in the field. I became convinced that there is an urgent need to increase awareness of the problem and to ensure that those coming out of slavery are properly cared for”.
What is your main motivation in tackling human trafficking in Scotland?
“Having met with survivors of trafficking and listened to their devastating stories, I feel compelled to do more to ensure that they are cared for and empowered to rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of being re-trafficked. Scotland has legislation in place to enable our Government, Police, Statutory and other services to tackle the problem. Much good work is being done, however, I believe that together as a Society we need to do more to ensure that everyone in Scotland lives free from slavery”.
What do you believe could be SOHTIS’ greatest achievement?
“The SOHTIS logo, designed by my granddaughter, is ‘Into the sunlight’ I believe that our greatest achievement would be an increased awareness of survivors in our communities and neighbourhoods with all of Society playing a part in ensuring their recovery, care and that they enjoy a bright future. My long term aim is to see the reduction in this evil trade and its eventual elimination”.
Call to Action
There are ways that we can all be involved in being part of the solution to human trafficking in Scotland. Some as simple as raising awareness by following SOHTIS on social media and sharing our posts or volunteering skills, linking us with useful networking contacts or donating funds.
Please get in touch to find out how you can join us in our support of survivors.
Email: enquiries@sohtis.org
Web: www.sohtis.org
