EUROPEAN DAY TO 'STOP THE TRAFFIK!'

10.19.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Oct 2007

Over two million people are thought to be illegally trafficked around the world each year, including between 1000 and 4000 into the United Kingdom. Tomorrow, the 18th of October, marks the first European Day Against Human Trafficking. A Liberal Democrat MEP says it is an opportunity to remember the millions of past victims of this modern form of slavery, and to sign a petition which will encourage the UN and others to act against it (details in Notes to Editors).

Liz Lynne MEP has for many years campaigned on this issue, having been the shadow rapporteur for a European Parliament report on human trafficking, the author of a written declaration and parliamentary questions on the subject, as well as influencing her own party's policy.

Speaking today, Liz said:

"I warmly welcome the introduction of a day for us all to remember the millions of victims of trafficking, who are often forced into prostitution and domestic servitude.

"It is vital to bear in mind that these people are often extremely vulnerable and we need to ensure they are not treated as criminals but are protected and given time to recover."

"The UK government has admitted that there is a problem in Britain, yet it must act with other countries in order to bring changes. EU members must implement Directive 2004/81 on residence permits for the victims of trafficking; the UK has still not opted into this."

"The only way this vile trade in human beings will be stamped out is if we have a common and integrated approach across Europe that establishes minimum standards for the treatment of trafficking victims.

"The earmarking of funding last month by the European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee for a single European emergency hotline for the victims of trafficking demonstrates further that there is the will to act at a European level, but we must all do more.

"I urge everyone to join the campaign supported by my Liberal colleagues in the European Parliament to gather a million signatures, which will be delivered to the United Nations in February 2008. This will be used to encourage practical initiatives and attract financial commitments to a new fund to fight human trafficking."