Response to Commonwealth commitment to ending exploitation

This is a statement in response to the Commonwealth's commitment to end exploitation of women and girls.

Tanya Barron, Chief Executive of Plan International UK said: "Last week Norah, Viola, Georgina and Hope – four young campaigners from Kenya and Uganda – came to London to participate in the Commonwealth Summit and urge immediate action to end the exploitation of girls in the Commonwealth.

"We are delighted that Heads of Government have responded to their calls by making concrete commitments to ending the exploitation of women and girls across the Commonwealth – in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8.7.

"Women and girls are disproportionately affected by sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and forced marriage. They become even more marginalised in society; stripped of their rights to a childhood, an education and opportunities to secure a sustainable livelihood.

"More than half of those exploited live in Commonwealth countries. Together with young campaigners across the Commonwealth, we now urge leaders – especially the UK government in its role as Chair in Office - to build on this momentum and turn these words into action.

"Now is the time to show real leadership and eliminate the demand for forced labour, modern slavery and trafficking."