MLA Tackles Modern 'Slave Trade'

What is virtually a modern-day 'slave trade' has been in focus with a local MLA commenting on the work of the police in combating human trafficking.

The West Tyrone Ulster Unionist, Ross Hussey, has 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.

He also said that the Ulster Unionist Party has led on the issue of human trafficking with a Private Members Motion calling for the raising of awareness of the prevalence of human trafficking in Northern Ireland.

"We are committed to acting to ensure that Northern Ireland is a hostile place for traffickers.

"We welcomed the subsequent Department of Justice research paper investigating the issues for women in Northern Ireland involved in prostitution and exploring best practice," he added.

"I would call on the relevant bodies to act appropriate to address the issues highlighted in that report.

"Since then the NSPCC and Barnardo's have worked in conjunction to produce a report which highlights Northern Ireland as a key gateway for criminal gangs in people trafficking.

"In total there has been 73 victims of human trafficking rescued by the PSNI since 2009, however, we are yet to see any convictions for the perpetrators of this organised crime.

"This highlights the scale of the challenge and the Policing Board will do all it can to support the PSNI to make Northern Ireland a hostile place for traffickers," he concluded.

(BMcC/GK)