LIZ LYNNE TO QUIZ EUROPEAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN WORLD CUP RUN-UP

1.05.37pm GMT Mon 13th Mar 2006

Liz Lynne, West Midlands Liberal Democrats MEP during a plenary session of the European Parliament

Liz Lynne, West Midlands Liberal Democrats MEP and member of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights, will today question the European Commission on what measures the EU is taking to stamp out human trafficking ahead of the World Cup.

Advocacy groups predict that in addition to prostitutes working legally in Germany, thousands of women and girls will be trafficked into the country and forced into prostitution against their will as a result of increased demand from visitors to the event.

In her speech in Strasbourg this afternoon, Liz Lynne will ask for a report on action taken to combat human trafficking, and support the 'Red Card' campaign, which calls for cross-border cooperation and exchanges of best practice.

She will also support the launch of an anti-trafficking day and call for EU member states to sign up to the Council of Europe Convention on Human Trafficking. Of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, 21 have still to sign the convention, including the UK and France.

Speaking ahead of today's debate, Liz Lynne said "Human trafficking has received increased attention in recent months at an EU level, in particular with the European Parliament's report into human trafficking, the action plan adopted by the Council in December, and the Council of Europe Convention."

"But there is no point talking about the evils of trafficking unless urgent and concrete action is taken. We must do more to raise awareness of this terrible crime and provide support for its victims. In the run up to the World Cup this summer, this issue has never been more relevant."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Human trafficking is the first debate on today's plenary agenda. The debate is expected to begin around 5.45 pm CET.

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on 0033388177521 (Strasbourg) or 077644 52725 (mobile) or the Press Officer Steve Nowottny in Stratford-upon-Avon on 01789 262785.