Sunday, October 14, 2012

Human trafficking summit called to tackle sexual exploitation | News ...

Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill is to host a summit to look at new ways the Scottish Government and its partners can tackle the problem of human trafficking in Scotland.

The event on Thursday will bring together representatives from organisations which have a clear role either in tackling the crime or supporting the victims.

Its aim is to identify and agree further action to add to existing measures already being taken.

Mr MacAskill said: "Human trafficking is an abhorrent crime. It's totally unacceptable in this day and age that victims continue to be exploited for forced labour, sex or domestic servitude. We want to do everything we can to stamp it out wherever and whenever it occurs.

"That is why we are hosting the summit on October 18 to bring together a range of partners to look at where we can potentially strengthen existing measures, whilst identifying future priorities for action.

"Thursday is European anti-trafficking day so it is very timely that this summit is being held. I am looking forward to discussing the issue with delivery partners and coming up with some real tangible measures which will strengthen our approach to tacking this appalling crime."

Among the delegates attending will be the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Scotland head of legal Lynn Welsh.

She said: "Almost a year on from the publication of the EHRC's groundbreaking inquiry report into human trafficking in Scotland, we look forward to contributing to this summit, which should be an important milestone in the development of a comprehensive Scottish trafficking strategy to address this terrible human rights abuse.

"The EHRC will shortly carry out a one-year review to assess whether and how our inquiry recommendations have been addressed and implemented by government and public bodies."

The summit will take place in Edinburgh.

Scottish Trades Union Congress president Agnes Tolmie will also be attending.

She said: "The crime of human trafficking cannot be allowed in any civilised society. We must do all in our power to combat the criminal abuse of human beings in forced labour, domestic servitude and sexual exploitation.

"The identification of victims of this crime must be prioritised to rescue the abused from physical and economic threats to them and their families.

"We want all the involved agencies in Scotland who combat trafficking to ensure proper support mechanisms are in place to support the victims of this heinous crime.

"This summit should be a significant step in achieving these goals and challenging the criminals who profit from the misery of their victims."

Source: http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/194693-human-trafficking-summit-called-to-tackle-sexual-exploitation/

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