Consultation On Modern Slavery And Human Trafficking Strategy

Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced the launch of a 12-week public consultation on a proposed three-year Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Strategy for Northern Ireland.

The consultation seeks views and comments from individuals and organisations across all sectors to ensure that the resulting strategy is as informed, comprehensive and effective as possible.

Minister Long said: "It is fitting that this consultation is launched on International Anti-Slavery Day. Anti-slavery day is promoted around the world to highlight that the issues associated with modern slavery and human trafficking are wide ranging and can impact on all of us.

"Tackling it requires everybody to work together to ensure victims are supported, society is informed and that authorities are enabled to pursue the selfish and heartless offenders who prey on the most vulnerable in society."

Following the enactment of the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 this strategy is the first 3-year strategy for Northern Ireland and the fifth overall.

As with previous strategies, commitments and objectives continue to be set out under three key themes, namely to pursue offenders, protect victims and prevent these crimes from occurring.

Mrs Long continued: "We must ensure there is adequate support and protection for adult and child victims in tackling this form of criminality. Through collaborative work we can achieve commitments within the strategy in both the short, medium and long term to ensure Northern Ireland is a place free from human trafficking and modern slavery.

"I am also publishing the 2021/22 progress report which demonstrates the significant progress made by a range of partners to deliver the commitments in the 21/22 strategy; we cannot however afford to let our guard down in tackling this heinous crime.

"I would encourage everyone to be alert to potential modern slavery or human trafficking abuses, and to contact the police or the Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700 with any concerns."