Focus On Trafficking, Says Board

The police need to maintain their current focus on human trafficking and associated prostitution, says the Policing Board.

At the December meeting of the Board's Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee, members reiterated the need for a focus to be kept on the issue of human trafficking.

This follows a public meeting presentation and discussion at the December Board.

The Committee Chair Conall McDevitt, the SDLP MLA, said: "The issue of human trafficking and the impact it has on our community is one that needs much more public debate and discussion.

"The PSNI presentation on human trafficking to the December Board meeting was very disturbing and particularly the real life examples of those who have been victims of this horrendous crime.

"Words cannot adequately describe the trauma and abuse suffered by those who have been trafficked," he said.

"There is no doubt criminal gangs are making substantial amounts of money from human trafficking and other organised criminal activity.

"These gangs are inflicting serious harm on people who are vulnerable and have no means of escape from their grip and the public needs to be aware of the impact of this exploitation."

He added that the PSNI have set out very clearly a range of ongoing work and investigations to deal with those involved in this crime, but much more needs to be done to raise public awareness of its impact.

"In order to consider and progress some of the issues raised at the December Public Meeting, the Committee intends to hold a dedicated meeting on human trafficking in early 2012," he added.

Earlier this week, the West Tyrone Ulster Unionist, Ross Hussey, also commented on the scale of the challenge facing the PSNI in tackling the problem following the NI Policing Board meeting last week which focused on what he said was "this often overlooked issue".

The Policing Board member commented: "Human trafficking is a serious issue with the main types being sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and organ harvesting.

"It is estimated to effect between 2-4 million people globally and is therefore a major concern.

"The fact that this type of organised crime is transnational, in that people are trafficked across borders as well as within countries, means that it is often extremely difficult for the police to tackle," he said.

See: MLA Tackles Modern 'Slave Trade'

(BMcC)