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05/12/2011
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)
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)
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20 July 2022
Martin Heaney Jailed For Five Years
A 59-year-old man has been jailed for five years for a range of offences including human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and voyeurism. At Laganside Crown Court today, Wednesday 20 July, Martin Heaney was sentenced to five years imprisonment. A Sex Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO) was also issued and will be in place for 7 years.
Martin Heaney Jailed For Five Years
A 59-year-old man has been jailed for five years for a range of offences including human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and voyeurism. At Laganside Crown Court today, Wednesday 20 July, Martin Heaney was sentenced to five years imprisonment. A Sex Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO) was also issued and will be in place for 7 years.
28 June 2022
Couple Convicted In NI's First Forced Labour Case
A married couple have been sentenced for forcing a vulnerable woman into labour in the first ever conviction of its kind in Northern Ireland.
Couple Convicted In NI's First Forced Labour Case
A married couple have been sentenced for forcing a vulnerable woman into labour in the first ever conviction of its kind in Northern Ireland.
18 October 2012
Human Trafficking Strategy Launched
The Justice Minister has announced a new strategy to deal with human trafficking in Northern Ireland. David Ford made the announcement today, on EU Anti-Trafficking Day. The new group is intended to improve engagement between non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Department of Justice, the PSNI and the Health and Social Care Sector.
Human Trafficking Strategy Launched
The Justice Minister has announced a new strategy to deal with human trafficking in Northern Ireland. David Ford made the announcement today, on EU Anti-Trafficking Day. The new group is intended to improve engagement between non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Department of Justice, the PSNI and the Health and Social Care Sector.
06 September 2013
Ford Launches Prostitution Inquiry
Justice Minister David Ford is to commission independent research into prostitution in order to inform future policy on the issue. The issue of prostitution has received considerable interest in recent times.
Ford Launches Prostitution Inquiry
Justice Minister David Ford is to commission independent research into prostitution in order to inform future policy on the issue. The issue of prostitution has received considerable interest in recent times.
09 December 2011
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.
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.
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