The Equality Commission and Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission have called for a coordinated response to human trafficking and more support for its victims.
These are the recommendations of a new report published by the Commissions which indicates that human trafficking is an active but largely hidden problem in Northern Ireland.
Human trafficking has been a major global issue but it has only relatively recently attracted public attention in Northern Ireland. Speaking at the launch of the report, the Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission, Jane Morrice said, “This report is a timely insight into the problem which indicates that human trafficking is primarily being driven for sexual exploitation and labour exploitation, including domestic servitude.
“Human trafficking is a fundamental denial of any principle of equality and a fundamental assault on any concept of the human rights of individuals. We hope the report will help focus attention on addressing the needs of those who are trafficked and encourage a coordinated multi-agency approach supporting victims of this illegal activity.”
Monica McWilliams, Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission said: “The movement of people by force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them contravenes human rights legislation and is a practice that has no place in today’s society. It is a modern day form of slavery.
The report recommends a multi-agency response for victims of trafficking including greater training and awareness of trafficking for agencies and public authorities and more effective communication between the organisations involved in supporting victims.”
The findings of the report were based on interviews carried out with representatives of law enforcement agencies, social services, trade unions, advice agencies, and legal practitioners. They revealed a picture of abuse and exploitation of women, children and men from a range of ethnic backgrounds.
”The Nature and Extent of Human Trafficking in Northern Ireland’ is available on the Commissions’ websites
www.equalityni.org or
www.nihrc.org
Notes to Editors
1. The Nature and Extent of Human Trafficking in Northern Ireland is available
here
2. The two Commissions commissioned this independent study, produced by the Institute for Conflict Research, in order to provide a greater understanding of the nature and extent of this issue in Northern Ireland and to encourage appropriate action. Since the commissioning of this report, there has been a welcome evidence of greater official engagement with the issue and a more pronounced response from Government in terms of public policy. This report will hopefully accelerate these positive developments as well as provide both Commissions with the basis for constructive work with public authorities on behalf of the victims.
