TIME FOR SCOTTISH ACTION ON TRAFFICKING.

TIME FOR SCOTTISH ACTION ON TRAFFICKING.

UK LEGISLATION RISKS CRIMINALISING VICTIMS
SNP MSP Christina McKelvie has called for renewed action on trafficking as reports in today’s Herald expose the scale of the problem in Scotland.

Ms McKelvie, who earlier this week joined colleagues from Commonwealth countries to discuss the ways in which countries can tackle people trafficking, also warned that forthcoming UK legislation could criminalise the victims of trafficking.

The upcoming Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill could criminalise people who do not have travel documents, which would immediately affect people who have been trafficked.

Central Scotland MSP Christina McKelvie said;
“Human trafficking whether sex trafficking or the work of illegal gangmasters is a disgrace in any nation and we must take action to crack down on those responsible and to support those who are trafficked.

“The UK Government’s plans to criminalise all people who do not have travel documents will badly affect those who have been trafficked. This legislation must be amended to ensure trafficked women are not put at risk of prosecution and are able to remain in the UK to ensure their traffickers are prosecuted.

“We must use the implementation of the EU convention on trafficking to put all our efforts and resources into tackling this scourge on society and humanity.”

The Scottish Parliament debated the issue of people trafficking this week with the Minister for Community Safety highlighting the work the government is doing and offering to listen to all ideas as to how Scotland can address the problem of trafficking.

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s actions Ms McKelvie said;
“There is no doubt the Scottish Government want to tackle the problem of trafficking.
“There have been some successes with targeted police operations resulting in people being removed from trafficked situations but there is always more that can be done.

“Introducing a charge of “sexual coercion” will help prosecute those pimps and traffickers who use trafficked women as prostitutes. Alongside that we must offer support to those who have been trafficked, raise awareness of their situation and crack down on all those responsible for this vile trade.”