CWA SUPPORTS WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSON BY SHARING CAR WASH APP

Tomorrow, Saturday 30 July, is the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking In Persons which aims to combat modern day slavery through awareness campaigns. This year, the United Nations “Use and Abuse of Technology” theme focuses on the role of technology as a tool that can both enable and impede human trafficking.

Alexander Russell, the Car Wash Association’s Director of Strategy comments:

“There have been some high-profile stories in the press recently relating to the hidden crime of modern-day slavery occurring within non-compliant hand car washes. As a response to this, the National Crime Agency launched ‘Operation Aidant’ in June that involved local police forces working alongside partner agencies to tackle Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking which uncovered numerous examples of modern slavery that still exists in some car washes. Operation Aidant ran for three weeks and resulted in 44 victims of modern slavery being rescued from their circumstances.

Russell continued: “In line with this year’s theme of technology and abuse, the Car Wash Association vigorously encourages all motorists to download the ‘SafeCarWash’ App, developed by the Clewer Initiative. SafeCarWash is a practical tool to help consumers identify labour abuse on non-compliant hand car washes, thereby enabling them to make an informed choice as to where they have their vehicle washed. 21^st Century Britain should have no place for modern slavery; we are appealing to all motorists to play their part in helping to end this moral outrage.”

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITOR

Annaluce Cavalmoretti, RMIF Communications Assistant
Direct: +44 (0) 0207 307 3414
Mobile: +44 (0) 07384514978MI
Email: Annaluce.cavalmoretti@rmif.co.uk

Operation Aidant is an operation co-ordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) that focuses on vulnerability, exploitation and modern slavery. For more information, visit the website: https://www.northants.police.uk/police-forces/northamptonshire-police/areas/northamptonshire-force-content/c/campaigns/2020/operation-aidant/

Alexander Russell is available for interviews.

The Car Wash Association represents the major car wash operators, manufacturers and suppliers of car washing equipment.