Human Trafficking Victims of Diplomatic Exploitation in the UK Get Compensation Boost
A London high court has handed down a landmark ruling, ordering the United Arab Emirates to pay over £260,000 to a Filipino woman who was trafficked and exploited by a diplomat on British soil. The 35-year-old victim, who worked for the diplomat's family from 2012 until her escape in 2013, endured a regime of modern slavery-like conditions.
Locked away in their home for nearly three months without freedom or respite, she toiled for an average of over 17 hours a day, performing extensive domestic duties and caring for the children. Her wages were woefully inadequate - just £400 for 12 weeks of work. The family also denied her access to essential services like internet and a UK phone SIM card, leaving her completely isolated.
The UAE government chose not to attend court during the proceedings, while the diplomat himself remained absent from the judgment. Despite this, the court awarded significant damages to the victim in recognition of her suffering, including £262,292.76 for false imprisonment, emotional distress, and medical expenses related to a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis.
The judge's ruling was notable not only for its substantial financial compensation but also for its explicit condemnation of the diplomat's actions as "wrongful" and "cynical." This judgment serves as a rare example of international accountability for state-sponsored human trafficking cases in the UK.
A London high court has handed down a landmark ruling, ordering the United Arab Emirates to pay over £260,000 to a Filipino woman who was trafficked and exploited by a diplomat on British soil. The 35-year-old victim, who worked for the diplomat's family from 2012 until her escape in 2013, endured a regime of modern slavery-like conditions.
Locked away in their home for nearly three months without freedom or respite, she toiled for an average of over 17 hours a day, performing extensive domestic duties and caring for the children. Her wages were woefully inadequate - just £400 for 12 weeks of work. The family also denied her access to essential services like internet and a UK phone SIM card, leaving her completely isolated.
The UAE government chose not to attend court during the proceedings, while the diplomat himself remained absent from the judgment. Despite this, the court awarded significant damages to the victim in recognition of her suffering, including £262,292.76 for false imprisonment, emotional distress, and medical expenses related to a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis.
The judge's ruling was notable not only for its substantial financial compensation but also for its explicit condemnation of the diplomat's actions as "wrongful" and "cynical." This judgment serves as a rare example of international accountability for state-sponsored human trafficking cases in the UK.
can you even believe ppl like that exist? i mean, £262k might seem like alot but its literally peanuts compared to what she went thru... she was basically a slave 4 years + and didnt get paid enough 2 cover basic expenses let alone have freedom or internet lol i'm glad the uk court took action tho it's about time somebodys held accountable 4 these heinous crimes 
. It's crazy how some people think they can exploit others with diplomatic immunity 
. I mean, who needs that kind of power? The fact that the UAE government didn't even show up to court is just another example of how messed up human trafficking can be 
. But, like, this ruling sends a super strong message - we will hold people accountable for their actions! 
, so sad what that poor filipina had to go through 
. 260k isnt much tho considering whats she went thru... 17 hours/day is insane 
. guess its a step in right direction tho, hope more victims get justice & compensation 
, I hope more people come forward to claim their rights and get compensated 
, it's about time we see some real justice for victims of human trafficking 
, this ruling sends a strong message to those in power that they can't just exploit and abuse people with impunity 
, and let's not forget the Filipino woman who went through hellish conditions, her story is heartbreaking 
, but she's now getting the support and recognition she deserves 
I feel so bad for the victim, she went through so much and was treated like dirt. The £260k is a good start, but it's not enough to make up for what happened to her.
. It's a sobering reminder of the darker side of diplomacy and power dynamics. £262k might seem like a lot, but it's not enough for what she went through, you know? 
this is so heartbreaking what happened to that poor filipino woman 
the uae government's absence from court is just another example of how corrupt and inhumane some diplomats can be 
this landmark ruling gives hope to others who may have gone through similar traumas 
the fact that she got £262k in compensation is a huge win 
but more importantly, it's about holding people accountable for their actions and giving justice to those who've been exploited 
.
. And the fact that they awarded so much compensation is super important, not just for the victim but also for setting a precedent for other cases.
! I mean, £262k+ is a HUGE chunk of change for someone who's been through what this poor Filipino woman went through