Survivors of sexual violence could be unjustly denied recognition as victims of human trafficking under new credibility tests in a UK immigration and asylum bill, warns Eleanor Lyons, the independent anti-slavery commissioner. She describes the measures as fundamentally unfair, potentially leaving many victims, including those allegedly abused by Mohamed Al Fayed, without necessary support.
Concerns Over Credibility Tests
Under the proposed legislation, Home Office officials are required to view any delay in making a claim of modern slavery or human trafficking as detrimental to the claimant's credibility. Additionally, any inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or similarities to other claims will be grounds for disbelief.
Lyons emphasizes that these credibility tests could severely impact survivors of sexual violence, many of whom experience memory loss due to trauma. She stated:
“"They are basically saying to victims, if you don’t come forward in a timely fashion not yet defined, if there are inconsistencies in your account, and if there are similarities between exploitation and [those of] others, the Home Office decision-maker must question your credibility."
This is particularly concerning for the alleged victims of Al Fayed, as many have faced significant delays in coming forward due to the nature of their experiences.
Voices of Survivors
Several women who claim to have been sexually abused by Fayed expressed fears that these measures could undermine ongoing investigations into what they describe as his international trafficking network. Holly Johnson, who alleges she was trafficked while working at Harrods and Fayed’s Park Lane offices, stated:
