MSP calls for more help for human trafficking victims
Scottish Labour MSP Mary Fee has raised awareness of human trafficking.
She says coronavirus restrictions have made it more difficult to identify and support victims and wants more support for them.
Thursday was World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and the West Scotland MSP, based in Paisley, lodged a motion to the Scottish Parliament calling for support.
Ms Fee, a longtime supporter of efforts to end human trafficking, also highlighted the difficulty that the range of services helping trafficked people have had during the coronavirus crisis.
Staff working in many sectors identify, support, counsel and seek justice for victims of human trafficking and Ms Fee believes their ability to work has become more essential as a result of the crisis while also more difficult.
Human trafficking is regarded as one of the worst global human rights violations, with victims trafficked for several reasons, such as sexual exploitation, forced labour and slavery.
It is estimated that women and girls account for 72 per cent of all victims.
Speaking about World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Mary Fee MSP said: “This is a crucial day to raise awareness in eradicating human trafficking.
“I am grateful to the MSPs who have signed the motion so far and I hope more will to show that the Scottish Parliament is serious about eradicating human trafficking.
“The coronavirus has placed an enormous strain on public services and services that identify and support victims of human trafficking are not immune to the lockdown measures.
“The roles that the variety of services carry out have never been so essential yet so difficult to perform during the lockdown.”