A community choosing to lead with responsibility and commitment in the fight against human trafficking.

Romanian Anti-Trafficking Champions Network.

This joint initiative between Justice & Care and the Romanian General Consulate, created to prevent and address exploitation and human trafficking of Romanian nationals in the UK, was officially launched on Thursday 26 February 2026. The event ‘From Awareness to Action: The Role of Romanian Professionals in Fighting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking in the UK,’ hosted by the Consul General, Robert Marin, brought together business leaders, law enforcement, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, policy leaders, and frontline specialists, to join forces and kick-start the conversation for this important cause.

It is no surprise that exploitation grows where vulnerability is high, and where the risk for traffickers is low. With an estimated 122,000 victims of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK, the urgency to address this crime has never been more crucial. Statistics claim that at least 3,000 Romanian nationals have been identified as potential victims in the last decade[1], but in reality, the number is much larger, as only 1 in 10 modern slavery cases in the UK are reported.[2]

Whilst significant work is being undertaken to address exploitation of Romanian nationals in the UK, vulnerable adults are mainly being trafficked for labour exploitation and sexual exploitation, whereas children are exploited to commit crimes. Exploitation occurs for workers who are dependent on intermediaries for both employment and accommodation, when their wages are withheld, or when debt is used as a tool of control. It can happen for isolated women, who are economically dependent, or controlled through intimidation, manipulation, or threats. These cases of injustice and abuse are often hidden in plain sight – with victims reluctant to approach authorities because they do not fully understand the system, or because they fear the consequences.

But there is hope. The Romanian Consulate, together with global anti-slavery charity Justice & Care, are committed to move from awareness to action with support from this new Network of Anti-Trafficking Champions – dedicated to lead and change the reality for so many vulnerable people.

Victims like Daniel*, a Romanian who was brutally exploited in a car wash in the UK and forced to take drugs at the hands of his traffickers, received dedicated support from Justice & Care’s Victim Navigator Programme – a programme embedding independent specialists within UK police teams to support survivors of modern slavery. Victim Navigators provide exceptional victim care, strategic advice and advocacy, acting as the trusted bridge between the survivor and criminal justice system to increase engagement and hold exploiters to account. The charity’s programme has proven to increase victim engagement from 44% to over 90%[3] in cases where Navigators are involved, in comparison to cases without a Navigator, helping secure convictions and rebuild lives. 

The Consul General, Robert Marin presented a clear challenge to the professionals within the room that awareness alone is not enough, that leadership is required. 

Robert Marin said: “The question is whether we can connect these vulnerabilities with solutions that already exist within it. This is why today we are proposing a new model of engagement where we match these vulnerabilities with capabilities already existing in our community. This is based on a structured pledge. Not symbolic. Not formal. Practical. A pledge where businesses, policy experts and frontline professionals voluntarily commit to clear, defined actions within their own sphere of influence.”

Professionals who have joined the Network, have pledged to running ethical businesses, acting as a protective community, and working together to disrupt and prevent exploitation of Romanians.

James Clarry, CEO of Justice & Care: “We know that when people, sectors and systems join together, meaningful long-term change is possible. We are incredibly excited to have co-launched a community of Champions, and look forward to putting actionable steps in place over the coming months to begin to change the narrative.”

This committed community exists to move from awareness to action – responsibly, credibly, and together.  Learn more about the Romanian Anti-Trafficking Champions Network and how to join forces with us here.

Împreună suntem mai puternici. 
Together, we are stronger. 

[1] National Referral Mechanism Statistics, Home Office

[2] Modern Slavery: National Referral Mechanism end of the year summary 2025, Home Office, February 2026

[3] Justice & Care Victim Navigator Independent Evaluation 2022