African community groups express 'disappointment' with Deputy Ozouf sentencing

Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee have come together to express their disappointment following Deputy Philip Ozouf's sentencing, and are calling for increased protection for workers who speak out about exploitation.

Representatives of Jersey's African communities are worried about the lack of resources available for victims of exploitation.

They are also concerned that the absence of safeguards in place to protect those who shine a light on mistreatment, without suffering adverse consequences.

Both groups are disappointed in the sentencing of Deputy Philip Ozouf, who has been ordered to do 120 hours of community service and pay £5,000, for illegally employing five Rwandan nationals at his home and his laundrette between 2021 and 2023.

READ: Philip Ozouf sentenced to 120 hours community service

Lesley Katsande, who spoke on behalf of Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee, says they have repeatedly encountered cases involving 'serious infringements' of human rights, breaches of housing, employment law and conduct.

"In other jurisdictions, [these] would meet the threshold for investigation under Modern Slavery and exploitation legislation."

"The outcome of yesterday's sentencing raises significant concern about whether the gravity of such conduct, and its impact on vulnerable individuals, has been adequately reflected.

"This case has highlighted systematic gaps in the way visa holders are protected in practice.

"It underscores the need for stronger coordination between immigration enforcement, housing oversight, employment regulation and safeguarding bodies, particularly where power imbalances and dependence on sponsors or employers exist.

"While we respect the independence of the [Royal] Court, this judgement demonstrates the urgent need for the Government of Jersey, States Members and prosecution authorities to reflect on how existing and legal regulatory frameworks are being applied, where they are falling short and where greater accountability can be achieved."

Deputy Philip Ozouf walking to Jersey's Royal Court

Four Jersey charities support the African communities, and renew calls for the next States Assembly to introduce robust Modern Slavery legislation.

Caritas Jersey, Jersey Community Relations Trust, Liberate Jersey and The Salvation Army also would like to see the introduction of a Labour Inspection Office under Jersey's Customs and Immigration service.

READ: Jersey's next government urged to create laws preventing exploitation of workers

"Yesterday's judgment demonstrates the urgent need for the Government of Jersey, States Members and prosecuting authorities to reflect on how existing legal and regulatory frameworks are being applied, where they are falling short and how greater accountability can be achieved.

"The law must not only address breaches... but also respond meaningfully to the human harm that arises from them."

WATCH: The Salvation Army's Captain Alice Nunn and Caritas Jersey CEO Peter Lynch react individually to Deputy Ozouf's sentencing