33 Victims Of Human Trafficking In 2011/12

33 potential victims of human trafficking were recovered in Northern Ireland during 2011/12.

Of that number, eighteen were female. Seventeen of those females were trafficked for sexual exploitation, while one was trafficked for labour exploitation.

Seven of the total were males who were trafficked for labour exploitation and the remaining eight were minors.

In many cases, people who are brought illegally into Northern Ireland are promised a decent wage and a better life.

The reality is utterly different. The victims are usually forced to work extremely long hours, for less than the minimum wage, often in unsafe conditions.

Some are also housed in poor, unsuitable accommodation. Often, the victims have even been paid a significant amount of money to travel to the country.

Junior Minister Jonathan Bell and Jennifer McCann today joined Soroptimist International for a rally against Human Trafficking in Belfast.

Junior Minister Bell said: "It is vital that we unite to show our opposition to this abhorrent crime, this violation of basic human rights.

"This month, a report by the Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group at Westminster stated that 946 cases of human trafficking were referred to the relevant UK authorities last year. A quarter of those referrals were children. It is unacceptable that human beings are being abused in this way and it is imperative that we do all in our power to stop it."

Junior Jennifer Minister McCann said: "Soroptomist International have made considerable efforts to raise awareness of the crime of human trafficking. We must all play our part to eradicate this crime for ever."

Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 to report suspected human trafficking.

(IT)