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General Assembly 2007: Assembly to hear call for action on human trafficking

The Church and Society Council is set to present a paper on human trafficking to this month’s General Assembly. This paper has been produced in conjunction with the World Mission Council and the Church of Scotland Guild, and follows on from an intensive period of campaigning during which these parts of the church have been pressing HM Government to strengthen its commitment to combat human trafficking and, more importantly, to extend assistance to the victims of trafficking.

This year’s Assembly will hear that international awareness of human trafficking has been growing and that, despite the increasing attention given to the issue, the UK government’s response has been tardy at best. For example, the UN adopted a Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons in 2000 - this came into force during 2003, but was not ratified by the UK Government until February 2006.

At a Downing Street reception in January 2007 commemorating the bi-centenary of the legislation outlawing the slave trade, the Prime Minster announced a series of events over the coming months. He also told guests at the reception of his intention to sign the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The Church and Society Council is concerned that, while the UK has signed this convention, ratification might again be delayed for a considerable period of time. While a State that signs a treaty is obliged to refrain from actions that would defeat the object of the treaty, signature alone does not impose obligations under the treaty. In this context, ratification would mean legislation, policies and other practical measures to deal with identification, support and accommodation, reflection periods, residence permits, and non-punishment of the victims of trafficking.

The convention recognises trafficking as a violation of human rights, and requires states which become signatories to take measures to prevent trafficking, to prosecute those responsible, and to protect the rights of the victims. It also includes provision for a recovery and reflection period of not less than 30 days, during which victims can begin to come to terms with their ordeal and work towards recovery.

The Church and Society Council recognises that pushing our politicians for action to deliver the outcomes outlined in the Convention on Action against Trafficking is an important part of the way forward. However, the Assembly will hear that education is an important part of tackling human trafficking, and have the availability of an information pack for use in congregations and the community drawn to its attention.

The Council will also seek Assembly approval for its plan to work with other denominations in supporting the provision of safe houses for the victims of human trafficking. (Deliverance section 26)

Ends

nrga/28/05/07

Friday 11 May 2007

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