Liz Lynne welcomes European Commission plans to combat human trafficking
March 26, 2009 12:09 PM
Originally published by West Midlands Liberal Democrats
Originally published by West Midlands Liberal Democrats
Liz Lynne, the West Midlands Euro MP and anti- trafficking campaigner, has strongly welcomed news that the European Commission is to draft Europe- wide legislation aimed at tackling the traffic of human beings.
The proposals, which form part of a wider package aimed at stopping trafficking and child abuse, will see new powers being given to authorities in order to reach across borders and capture those involved in trafficking even if they are in a different European country.
It is also proposed that more support be given to victims of trafficking by Member States including, it is hoped, a guarantee that victims will be provided with accommodation and medical care and helped to recover from their ordeal while in the country they have been trafficked to.
The UN estimates that between 700 000 and 2 million men, women and children are trafficked around the world each year. Many are forced into prostitution or domestic servitude, while others are forced to work illegally or exploited for their labour.
Liz Lynne, who is a Member of the European parliament's Human Rights Committee, has been a strong voice against human trafficking. In December last year she helped launch the Blue Blindfold campaign in the European Parliament which seeks to raise awareness of human trafficking across Europe and encourages those who suspect trafficking to come forward.
Responding to the Commission's announcement yesterday Liz said:
"I am very pleased that the European Commission has decided to renew its efforts to stamp out the horrific practice of human trafficking. This is a very welcome step forward for all of those who have campaigned to end the suffering of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children who are forced across borders each year.
"I am particularly glad that the Commission has signaled their intent to lay down firm rules on the treatment of victims by the member states that have been trafficked to. It is vital that those who have been through such appalling physical and emotional abuse are allowed to recover properly.
"However, there is already legislation which would go some way to ensuring that victims are treated humanely. That is why I will continue to call on the UK Government to opt-in to Directive 2004/81 on residence permits for the victims of trafficking.
"It is shameful that a supposedly compassionate country such as the UK would rather see victims sent back home only to be trafficked all over again, rather than allow them at least temporary refugee here in the UK."
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