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18/10/2012
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.
Speaking at a Department of Justice event on human trafficking for NGOs at Stranmillis David Ford said: "The new Engagement Group on Human Trafficking will improve communication and dialogue between the statutory and community sectors and ensure that we work in partnership to achieve our shared goal of tackling human trafficking."
The Department hosted today’s event with NGOs to raise awareness of human trafficking and the work of police in recovering victims and making arrests.
PSNI human trafficking lead officer Detective Superintendent Philip Marshall said: "Since April, seven potential victims of trafficking have been rescued, following on from a total of 81 people rescued over the previous three reporting years. This year in Northern Ireland we secured a number of convictions and there are currently a number of individuals awaiting trial. If people provide us with information, we will act on it. That's partnership in practice."
Minister Ford also announced the launch of a photography and video competition for third level students. It is open to all third level students in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and encourages students to research the issue and articulate their understanding of the issue through a photograph or video.
Justice Minister David Ford said: "It is incredibly important that we continue to make every effort to raise awareness of human trafficking. Understanding the issue, being aware of the signs and reporting information or suspicions to the police is vital if police are to bear down on the traffickers and recover victims."
(IT)
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.
Speaking at a Department of Justice event on human trafficking for NGOs at Stranmillis David Ford said: "The new Engagement Group on Human Trafficking will improve communication and dialogue between the statutory and community sectors and ensure that we work in partnership to achieve our shared goal of tackling human trafficking."
The Department hosted today’s event with NGOs to raise awareness of human trafficking and the work of police in recovering victims and making arrests.
PSNI human trafficking lead officer Detective Superintendent Philip Marshall said: "Since April, seven potential victims of trafficking have been rescued, following on from a total of 81 people rescued over the previous three reporting years. This year in Northern Ireland we secured a number of convictions and there are currently a number of individuals awaiting trial. If people provide us with information, we will act on it. That's partnership in practice."
Minister Ford also announced the launch of a photography and video competition for third level students. It is open to all third level students in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and encourages students to research the issue and articulate their understanding of the issue through a photograph or video.
Justice Minister David Ford said: "It is incredibly important that we continue to make every effort to raise awareness of human trafficking. Understanding the issue, being aware of the signs and reporting information or suspicions to the police is vital if police are to bear down on the traffickers and recover victims."
(IT)
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20 October 2014
MLAs Debate Human Trafficking Bill
MLAs are debating a human trafficking bill, drawn up by DUP peer Lord Morrow. It is understood that the new Bill contains a clause that would make it illegal to pay for sex, a clause that has been opposed by Justice Minister David Ford. However, both the DUP and Sinn Féin are understood to be in favour of the clause.
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MLAs are debating a human trafficking bill, drawn up by DUP peer Lord Morrow. It is understood that the new Bill contains a clause that would make it illegal to pay for sex, a clause that has been opposed by Justice Minister David Ford. However, both the DUP and Sinn Féin are understood to be in favour of the clause.
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.
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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.
05 March 2014
Ford Addresses Westminster On Human Trafficking
Justice Minister David Ford has addressed the Westminster Joint Select Committee on his proposals to strengthen human trafficking and slavery laws in Northern Ireland. The Minister was invited to give evidence to the Committee on the draft Modern Slavery Bill, which was published by the Home Secretary in December last year.
Ford Addresses Westminster On Human Trafficking
Justice Minister David Ford has addressed the Westminster Joint Select Committee on his proposals to strengthen human trafficking and slavery laws in Northern Ireland. The Minister was invited to give evidence to the Committee on the draft Modern Slavery Bill, which was published by the Home Secretary in December last year.
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