The United Nations Human Rights Day, 10 December, marks the 53rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Despite all UN-member states' commitment to protect the rights of all people as guaranteed under this, slavery and other human rights abuses continue throughout the world.

Article 4 of the Declaration clearly states that "no one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms." Yet millions of women, children and men around the world are enslaved.

Human trafficking is one form of slavery that appears to be increasing. Although States are taking measures to combat this abuse, as with the European Union's Framework Decision on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, the victims' human rights are not being considered. European Union States appear to lack commitment to protect the victims of trafficking, many of whom have been severely traumatised. Instead of being provided with the necessary support systems, they are deported, sometimes straight back into the hands of the traffickers.

Despite a call by the European Parliament for protection provisions to be included in the Framework Decision, this has yet to be done.

"It is vital that victims of trafficking are provided with health care, social support and legal aid. They need to be granted temporary or permanent residency in order to ensure their safety and given assistance in getting work or training," Mike Dottridge Director of Anti-Slavery says.