Statement – Sir Mo Farah and human trafficking

Below is a statement on behalf of the Green Councillor Group by Councillor Mohamed Makawi, regarding Sir Mo Farah’s recent revelation that he was trafficked to the UK as a child.

Councillor Makawi said:

“Bristol Green Party acknowledges the bravery shown by Hussein A Kahin aka Sir Mo Farah in revealing the true trauma of his journey to the UK, human trafficking and a life of modern slavery as a young boy. We admire his strength and courage in his path to the great sporting success he has achieved as a young man represent this Great Britain, despite all that life has thrown at him. Sir Mo Farah is inspiring, and unfortunately he is not alone.

“It is known that last year 5,468 potential victims of child trafficking were identified in the UK., we know the true figure is likely to be much more. The United Nations Protocol to Prevent launched in 2000 states that children like Mo are the victims and never responsible for the trafficking that they have suffered. All people who have suffered as Mo Farah has done should be afforded the protection of our country not persecutions and deportation.

“The penalisation of Sir Mo Farah should never have been a consideration by the Home Office, and nor should it be for the many thousands victims of human trafficking whose names we will never know.”