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23 March 2007
An action plan published today aims to end the scourge of human trafficking.
The action plan - which involves the collaboration of the Scottish Executive and the Home Office - calls for a combined effort of many governmental agencies to address all the elements of trafficking.
Key measures
Its measures include:
- establishing specialist teams at ports of entry into the UK to spot traffickers at work
- creating a child trafficking telephone advice line to help social workers, police and immigration staff deal with the complex problems caused by trafficking
- creating a national referral system that will act as a single point of contact for cases of trafficking, to ensure that all that can be done is done to stop traffickers and help their victims
The plan also highlights the increased enforcement activity that the UK Human Trafficking Centre will undertake, and outlines proposals for future work.
An 'appalling crime'
Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker called human trafficking 'an appalling crime that causes terrible trauma for its victims.'
He went on to say, 'I have heard first hand from those who have suffered at the hands of traffickers, and I am fully committed to do all I can to end this horrific crime.'
He said the publication of the action plan 'demonstrates the government's commitment to doing more to help identify and protect the victims of this vile crime.'
Scotland's Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson also offered her support to the plan, saying 'The Scottish Executive is working closely with the UK government to ensure we face this challenge together. Our joint action plan focuses on four key areas: prevention, enforcement and prosecution, victim support and child trafficking.'
