‘Human vending machine’ highlights modern-day slavery
Students from Hull University marked Human Rights Day inside the vending machine in central London.
Students have been trapped in a human vending machine to highlight the plight of millions of people around the world who are victims of slavery.
Hull University marked Human Rights Day by releasing the results of a YouGov poll which showed:
– Over a third (34%) of adults are unaware that modern-day slavery practices are used in the production of fresh foods
– About one in five UK adults (21%) believes slavery is not something that occurs in the UK today
– Over one in 10 UK adults (13%) agree that slavery is something that existed in the past but does not happen today
The university launched a new initiative called It’s Time to Break the Chain, urging shoppers to use consumer power to make ethical choices about what they buy.
Cristina Talens, a director of modern slavery risk assessments at the University of Hull’s Wilberforce Institute, said: “As consumers we are often at a loss as to what we can do to help – but we can make a difference by being aware of issues and asking companies to report on the Modern Slavery Act.
“Businesses have a legal – and moral – responsibility to eradicate slavery from within their operations and their supply chains.”
