Modern Slavery Survivors Share in New Photo Exhibition
published on 21 Jul 2025
Survivors of modern slavery are taking back control of their stories in a moving new online photography exhibition, ‘My Lens – I am still here’, launching today. This unique collection of photographs gives a powerful insight into the lives and perspectives of people who have survived human trafficking and modern slavery —through their own eyes and in their own words.
The exhibition is now live online here and will also be open to the public at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters on Queen Victoria Street in London from 27th August to 11 September.
‘My Lens – I am still here’ is a collaboration between renowned photographer Newsha Tavakolian, for global photographic agency Magnum, The Salvation Army; Stop Trafficking Africa, and Hope Education Project. It features intimate, striking photographs that explore both the pain of exploitation and the strength found in recovery and renewal. Together, they've created a new model for survivor storytelling - one that prioritises agency, and authentic voice.
The project brings together survivors* from diverse experiences of human trafficking and modern slavery - from those promised nursing education in the UK to others lured to Dubai with false employment offers. Many were trafficked from West Africa to the Gulf states, a route, which has seen significant growth due to accessible visa processes and challenging economic conditions. Others were exploited by family members, betrayed by those they trusted most.
Each photo is based on what survivors themselves wanted to express — not just about what they went through, but how they have survived, healed, and moved forward. The project offers a rare chance to hear directly from survivors and understand what modern slavery really looks like in today’s world.
"The past cannot be erased, but survival is not the end of the story."
Photographer, Newsha Tavakolian said:
“The past cannot be erased, but survival is not the end of the story. No one wants to remain a victim forever – they are whole people with agency, dreams, and voices that deserve to be heard. Every person in this project - myself included - grappled with how to honour both trauma and resilience without reducing the survivors to their worst experiences. That's why I knew this work could only exist through true collaboration, guided by the voices and vision of those who lived through human trafficking and modern slavery.”
The Salvation Army has long been at the forefront of supporting survivors of modern slavery in the UK and around the world. Through safe accommodation, counselling, legal advice, and skills training, the organisation helps thousands of people every year as they begin their journey of recovery, including several of the participants in this exhibition.
"This exhibition is not just about photographs. It’s about truth, courage and the importance of listening to those who have lived through unimaginable hardship — and are choosing to speak out."
Major Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, said:
“This exhibition is not just about photographs. It’s about truth, courage and the importance of listening to those who have lived through unimaginable hardship — and are choosing to speak out. It shows how people are being used as commodities and exploited by vicious criminals — but it also shows the strength, hope and resilience of the human spirit.
“We’ve been honoured to work with our partners and the survivors who courageously contributed to this project. I want to encourage everyone to view and share this online exhibition, which is such a powerful way of giving voice to survivors. Without awareness, these crimes will continue in the shadows. We’re also looking forward to welcoming visitors to see these images in person at an exhibition in London this September.”
Some voices from the ‘My Lens’ Photography Exhibition
- Wendy, who endured six years of forced labour, explains:
“They held my passport and money. I wanted to end my life — but The Salvation Army helped me find my confidence again.” - Lima, who escaped exploitation in a forced marriage, adds:
“I made the right decision to leave — now I’m free. I feel confident and independent.” - Jennifer, trafficked from Ghana as a teenager, shares:
“The photography helped me deal with the anger… it’s a way of telling my story.” - Layla, who turned to art to process years of exploitation, says:
“This is about creating awareness — using images to show the reality of modern slavery and the power of survival.”
Angus Thomas, from Stop Trafficking Africa, an organisation that helps rescue and repatriate victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation; and Hope Education Project, a human trafficking education and awareness program for schools and communities in the North East of Ghana, said:
“It has been a great privilege to partner with The Salvation Army on My Lens: I Am Still Here, a project that speaks to the many challenges that face survivors of human trafficking. The images and art reflect the resourcefulness, resilience and vulnerability of victims whose simple desire for a better life was exploited for the vile trade in human lives. Yet the photographs also reveal the silent shame that can imprison survivors of sex trafficking.”
The exhibition demonstrates the power of collaborative storytelling in addressing modern slavery, prioritising survivor dignity, agency, and authentic voice in the fight against human trafficking.
Visit I AM STILL HERE to view the exhibition now.