§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of human trafficking for sexual purposes, have been discovered in each of the last three years; from which countries the persons arrived; and how many successful prosecutions have resulted. [124845]
§ Beverley HughesThere is currently no accurate, reliable data in existence within the United Kingdom or the European Union. A Home Office research study `Stopping Traffic' (Police Research Series 125, published in 2000) indicated that there was intelligence to suggest that some women and children are trafficked into the UK for the purposes of sexual exploitation. This was estimated at between 140 and 1,400 per year but it was impossible to make a more accurate assessment of numbers. The report concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that this was on a large scale compared with other European countries.
The Nationality, Asylum and Immigration Act 2002 created a new offence of trafficking for the purpose of controlling someone through prostitution, the relevant sections of which came into force on 10 February 2003. Given that the powers came into effect very recently there is not any information yet held centrally about numbers of victims of this crime. Forming an accurate estimate of the levels of trafficking in people is problematic given the reluctance of the victims of trafficking to report to the police.
The current pilot project for victims of trafficking will provide us with a clearer idea on scale of trafficking problem and enable better assessment to be made of the needs of victims.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedure is followed upon the discovery of individuals trafficked into the UK for sexual purposes; what factors underlie decisions to return them to their home country; and if he will make a statement. [124846]
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§ Beverley HughesThe White Paper "Secure Borders Safe Haven", published last year, set out a comprehensive approach for supporting the victims of trafficking. It included a commitment to make arrangements for victim protection and support.
In March this year we established a pilot scheme, working with Eaves Housing, a voluntary sector organisation, to provide support and assistance to victims of trafficking to enable them to make an informed decision about co-operating with the authorities. The pilot scheme will initially run on a trial basis for a period of six months so that we can evaluate its impact.
Under the terms of the scheme victims are referred to Eaves housing by the police, via a voluntary organisation or self-referred. There is an assessment made of their needs and they get information about the consequences of co-operating with a prosecution. Their immigration status is considered, and it is recognised that if they co-operate with the authorities then it may be appropriate to allow them to remain in the United Kingdom. This assessment is made on a case by case basis. If they decide to return home, arrangements are made through the International Organisation for Migration, which has a well established voluntary assisted return programme, to assist the woman to reintegrate back into her home society.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned into the extent of the trafficking of individuals for sexual purposes into the UK; and what discussions he has had with European colleagues on the issue. [124847]
§ Beverley HughesForming an accurate estimate of the levels of trafficking in people is problematic given the reluctance of the victims of trafficking to report to the police. There is currently no accurate, reliable data in existence within the United Kingdom or the European Union. A Home Office research study 'Stopping Traffic' (Police Research Series 125, published in 2000) indicated that there was intelligence to suggest that some women and children are trafficked into the UK for the purposes of sexual exploitation. This was estimated at between 140 and 1,400 per year but it was impossible to make a more accurate assessment of numbers. The report concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that this was on a large scale compared with other European countries.
The Government have announced their intention to tackle the heinous crime of trafficking through a four-pronged approach set out in the White Paper 'Secure Borders Safe Haven' published last year. This approach encompasses legislation, enforcement, victim support and international co-operation. In the context of this last point, the UK has been working hard to push trafficking up the international agenda. We were at the forefront of work to draft the United Nations trafficking protocol and subsequent EU framework decision on trafficking. We have been closely involved in Europol's work to counter trafficking including establishing a joint intelligence sharing team with Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands on Bulgarian trafficking gangs. The UK also hosted the first EU prosecutors conference on trafficking last year and are closely involved in follow up work. We are also actively shaping EU consideration of 63W next steps on trafficking through the formation of a new experts group on trafficking that the UK is helping to steer towards tangible action to tackle this form of organised crime.