MODERN SLAVERY

That this House commends the inclusion of an explicit target to end all forms of modern slavery in the UN Sustainable Development Goals; recognises that modern slavery not only has a devastating impact on individual victims but also has catastrophic implications for international development by impeding health, economic growth, rule of law, women's empowerment and lifetime prospects for youth; further recognises that a specific target in the Sustainable Development Goals will bring more concerted action, political will and funding to the fight against modern slavery; notes the central role of the UK's Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland and the valuable support of Pope Francis in securing the inclusion of this target; and welcomes the forthcoming event convened by the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN, to bring together senior representatives of member states, international organisations, faith and civil society groups and the private sector, to determine new enhanced and co-ordinated action to meet it.