Sex Trafficking

SDLP Youth have for a long time through the work with IUSY, called for more work in battling sex trafficking.

Wr have supported organisations such as Amnesty Internationals battle against sex trafficking.

While We welcomed the new anti-sex trafficking drive Operation Pentameter from the UK Government and the new commitment to sending traffickers the message that this vicious trade in women will not be tolerated. However our fears are that this policy is still failing to protect the victims of trafficking.

The reality of this crime is that the main victims are very young women some under the age of 16. Both the Irish and British governments have failed to develop comprehensive measures to protect and support people who have been trafficked into the country.

The only way forward is for the both the Irish and British governments to sign up to the European Convention Against Trafficking, which would guarantee the vital protection required. This anti-sex trafficking drive will raise awareness of this crime and is definitely a step in the right direction. However we must ensure that when victims are discovered that they are protected not persecuted.

Under current legislation these women would be treated as nothing more than illegal immigrants, however signing the European Convention Against Trafficking would totally change this and allow them to be treated as victims not criminals.

It is because of this that SDLP youth have and will continue to work on this campaign