Statement Against Slavery

Updated: 7 September 2026

Cecilia Prize rejects slavery, forced labour, servitude, human trafficking and coercion. These principles apply to work undertaken for the website and to the treatment of people in the relationships discussed by its content. Personal dignity and voluntary choice are essential.

Voluntary and fairly described work

Work must not depend on threats, confiscation of personal documents, confinement, deceptive recruitment or a debt arrangement that prevents someone from leaving. Contributors and service providers should understand the work, compensation and relevant conditions before accepting an assignment.

Business decisions should consider credible indications of exploitation. A low price, geographic location or reassuring statement from a supplier does not by itself establish acceptable working conditions. Concerns require proportionate consideration rather than an assumption that a contract removes responsibility.

Freedom in relationships

Dating, marriage and intimate contact require voluntary participation. Financial dependence, travel arrangements, immigration expectations or a gift must not be used to pressure another person into a relationship or control their movement. No nationality or economic situation makes a person available for purchase or coercion.

Cecilia Prize’s content must not facilitate forced marriage, trafficking, sexual exploitation or deceptive recruitment. See the Community Guidelines and Anti-Scam information.

Concerns and appropriate action

Someone raising a concern in good faith should not face retaliation. Handling a concern should protect unnecessary exposure of the affected person’s identity and avoid promises of confidentiality that cannot be guaranteed.

If a person faces immediate danger, use appropriate local emergency services or a specialist support organization. Do not put yourself or another person at risk by confronting someone suspected of coercion. The Contact page explains the website’s current contact arrangements; it is not an emergency response service.

Scope of this statement

This is a statement of principles and conduct, not a claim that supplier audits, workforce inspections or a statutory modern slavery reporting process have been completed. Any legally required report needs its own verified scope and evidence.

The Diversity Policy and Gender Pay Gap policy address related standards of fair treatment and compensation.