About The UK BME/ Diaspora Anti-Slavery Network

Our History

In 2018, Debbie Ariyo OBE, CEO of AFRUCA was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to undertake research into the role of communities as safety nets in protecting victims of human trafficking. She established BASNET as an outcome of her research and is Chair of the Network. The UK BME/Diaspora Anti-Slavery Network (BASNET) is a part of AFRUCA Safeguarding Children and is the first network in the UK and in Europe dedicated to promoting race equality, diversity and inclusion in the anti-trafficking and anti-slavery space. Our Network members are registered charities or community interest companies working in diaspora communities affected by modern slavery.

Since 2020, we have worked with and supported our Network members who are Black and ethnic led organisations in a variety of ways. These include the provision of a national platform to amplify the voices of our members. We deliver training activities and residential capacity building programmes for our Network members and provide oppportunities for joint advocacy, collaboration and building active partnerships with others in the sector.

The Rationale for Our Work

Here at UK BME/Diaspora Anti-Slavery Network, we are committed to enhancing the role of affected communities in the fight against modern slavery in the UK. Modern Slavery and human trafficking in the UK is a race problem, intersecting with other equality issues. Each year, hundreds of people with the lived experience of modern slavery or human trafficking are brought into the UK from over 20 countries but the voices of those communities are often unheard in much of anti-slavery work across the country. Most survivors of modern slavery in the UK are from a range of ethnic community backgrounds, yet they are not often consulted on interventions and service provisions required to meet their needs. Responses to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking are often exclusionary and unrepresentative of those affected.

Our Mandate

Our Network

The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network (BASNET) promotes race equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK anti-trafficking and anti-slavery space. We are a collective of organisations working in different Black and Ethnic communities dedicated to combating modern slavery and human trafficking in the United Kingdom. Our mission is to foster collaboration, advocacy, and research to eradicate the heinous crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking and to ensure the protection and well-being of those affected.

As a network, our mandate is to promote the work of Black and Ethnic led Anti-slavery organisations with a focus on community and survivor empowerment. We seek to achieve a UK Anti-trafficking/Anti-slavery sector which is more diverse, inclusive and representative of the individuals and communities affected. Our goal is to make those with the lived experience safer because local and national decision-making and guidance will better reflect their lived experiences and needs. Through empowering our members to build their capacity to intervene, more people with the lived experience will have access to culturally appropriate/sensitive services that take accounts of their needs.

Our Mission

BASNET Advisory Board

Rev Jide Macaulay

Reverend Jide Macauley is a prominent figure and an openly gay British-Nigerian based in Manchester. He is the Founder and CEO of House Of Rainbow CIC, a Christian minister since 1998, and an Anglican Priest. With an impressive educational background, Jide holds many high profile positions, further exemplifying his commitment to social causes and activism.
Dr Elizabeth Such

Dr Such is a researcher at the University of Nottingham. She has a long history of working in inequalities and modern slavery research. She has worked on two research projects with BASNET, most notably a pioneering project on equality, diversity and inclusion in the modern slavery research sector. She is Research Advisor for BASNET.
Rosemary

Rosemary is a compassionate survivor, bringing a wealth of experience in community development and social support. Currently serving as a Volunteer Worker in different organisations, she excels in mentoring new volunteers, organising activities, and promoting volunteering. Her work with organisations such as Sophie Hayes Foundation, Helen Bamber Foundation, and Survivor Alliance reflect her commitment to empowering other survivors.
Peter Wieltschnig

Peter is the Policy and Networks Officer at Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX). Peter coordinates the work of the Labour Exploitation Advisory Group (LEAG) and the Taskforce on Survivors of Trafficking in Immigration Detention. He has a background in human rights and humanitarian law, and has worked on human rights and criminal law cases across Ireland, on identifying human trafficking trends in Greater Manchester and workers’ and human security in conflict settings. He is Learning Officer for the Charity Workers Branch of the IWGB trade union.
Professor Neena Samota

Neena Samota is Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and the Subject Lead for Criminology and Sociology and MA Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Migration and Organised Crime programmes at St. Mary’s University. Neena has authored research and evaluation reports for statutory and voluntary sector organisations. She has advised numerous government reviews and panels on race equality and criminal justice. Neena sits on several statutory advisory boards related to criminal justice and disproportionality based on race, ethnicity, gender, youth and nationality.
Robyn Philips

Robyn is the Director of Operations at the Human Trafficking Foundation, which unites the anti-slavery sector to improve survivor support and bridges the gap between policy and practice. Robyn joined the Foundation from STOP THE TRAFFIK. Prior to this, Robyn worked for a homeless charity. Robyn has volunteered as a First Responder for The Salvation Army, supporting consenting adults to enter the National Referral Mechanism, and has also volunteered as a support worker for children seeking asylum and as a counsellor for ChildLine.
Syed

With a distinguished track record in research and advocacy, Syed has actively engaged in various institutional, university, and independent research programmes. His contributions span renowned organizations, institutions, universities and charities. Currently, Syed seres as a peer in the SRAB programme at the University of Nottingham’s Rights Lab, focusing on health and well-being research related to modern slavery. As a survivor of modern slavery, Syed offers a unique and critical perspective. Overall, Syed’s lived experience and expertise serves as a valuable resource for researchers and organisations dedicated to addressing modern slavery effectively and ethically.
Sipiwe Takura

Sipiwe is a long-standing committed advocate for social justice. She is dedicated to contributing towards combating Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. Her intention is to achieve this through Education, Advocacy and Awareness Raising Initiatives. Her experience lies in Education, Training, Workshopping and Facilitation, also Campaigning and Collaborating with organisations to eradicate the violation of human rights.