7. Statement by the Minister for Social Justice: Update on Ukraine

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:00 pm on 14 June 2022.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Altaf Hussain Altaf Hussain Conservative 5:00, 14 June 2022

Minister, thank you very much for this important update. In the Homes for Ukraine guidance—I think that is what you were referring to—little has been mentioned about the long-term protection offered, despite the Welsh Government's willingness to be a supersponsor. The Welsh Government has already recognised the problem of modern slavery here in Wales. Vulnerable people can be exploited by criminal networks and forced into modern slavery. In 2021 there were 479 Welsh referrals for victims of modern slavery—over half were children and around half were from countries like Sudan. As the circumstances for Ukraine refugees arriving in Wales will be similar to those from Sudan, what is the Welsh Government doing to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian refugees under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, once they have been placed? And what information are you providing refugees to ensure they know their rights and how they are protected? Thank you.