"Mixed messages " on human trafficking - Liz Lynne

12.00.00am GMT Wed 22nd Feb 2006

Liz Lynne, West Midlands Liberal Democrats MEP and member of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights, today welcomed a new initiative to help victims of human trafficking, but criticised the UK's continued failure to sign up to the Council of Europe Convention on Human Trafficking.

Under Operation Pentameter, police offices posted at ports and airports will distribute leaflets asking women if they really know what they will be doing in Britain. Posters will be put up to heighten awareness of those who may be lured into working in the sex trade, and a helpline will be set up for the victims of human trafficking.

Speaking in Brussels today, Liz Lynne said "Women and children come to this country every day only to face a life of sexual exploitation and forced prostitution. The measures announced today will hopefully raise awareness of this abhorrent practice. But as well as raising awareness, we need to take practical steps to help trafficking victims."

"The government is sending out mixed messages by continuing to refuse to sign up to the Council of Europe Convention on Human Trafficking. The only way we will stamp out the sex traffic trade is through a common and integrated approach across Europe that establishes minimum standards for the treatment of victims."

"25 states, from Albania to the Ukraine, have now signed this convention. It's time for the UK government to stop dragging its feet."

Liz Lynne also expressed concern that this year's World Cup could create a surge in the numbers of women and children being trafficked and forced into prostitution. German advocacy groups estimate between 40,000 and 100,000 women and girls will be bussed into the country to cover the rise in demand for prostitution, and many of these could be forced to work against their will.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, 21 have still to sign the Convention (including the UK and France).

2. Liz Lynne and her Liberal Democrat colleagues have long led the call for tougher laws to deal with the problem of human trafficking, as well as specific measures to help victims. The Business Travellers Against Human Trafficking campaign was launched last November in the European Parliament, and Liz Lynne authored a Written Declaration on the issue.