Local MEP welcomes European Commission plans to combat human trafficking

2.07.17pm GMT Fri 27th Mar 2009

Bill Newton Dunn East Midlands Euro MP 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.

Responding to the Commission's announcement yesterday Bill 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 signalled 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.