Over 20 million people worldwide live in slavery today. It is not something that only happens in distant lands – it happens here and now in Scotland. People are forced to live in appalling conditions. They are deceived into working long hours in the fishing industry, or in the fields, in hotels and restaurants, in brothels and in private homes.

In Luke, chapter 4, we are told that Jesus said that he was here, among us, 'to set the oppressed free.' The Scottish Churches' Anti-Human Trafficking Group, made up of representatives from all the major denominations in Scotland, has been campaigning for years against the awful crime that is human trafficking.

In 2015, the SCAHT Group is launching its RE:Value project, which invites you to help us raise awareness of human trafficking. At the Edinburgh Festival in August, the Group will be running a series of events in partnership with Stop the Traffik and Just Festival. These will include hosting the UN GIFT boxes, which have previously visited Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, street theatre, film showings and discussions.

If you would like to learn what you can do to help stop trafficking and are interested in becoming involved with RE:Value at the Edinburgh Festival, the SCAHT Group will be running some information sessions to which all are welcome.

The details can be found on the attached files – a leaflet and a poster. We also attach a short powerpoint presentation that can be displayed before or during a service.