Fighting Human Trafficking Across EU and Wales
Considerations for the Salvation Army:
- Trafficking requires joint efforts and cooperation on all levels. The Wales model can provide ideas for TSA on how to engage stakeholders on all levels in combatting trafficking.
On March 4th, the Welsh Government EU Office in Brussels hosted two events on the topic of combatting human trafficking. The morning event focused on how Wales is tackling trafficking. This work is lead by a Leadership Group, with members drawn from the Public Sector, Non-Government Organisations and academia.Their mission is to deliver a range of multi-agency initiatives aimed at reducing trafficking in human beings. Speakers from the police force and Welsh government spoke on the joint initiatives that aim to make Wales a safer place. Trafficking can only be combatted through joint efforts by all actors in society
In the second event of the day the keynote speaker was Myria Vassiliadou, former EU Anti-Trafficking coordinator. She highlighted the need to focus on women and children in efforts to combat trafficking. She also spoke about the importance of ending the culture of impunity surrounding the crime of trafficking and engaging police in efforts to crack down on trafficking networks and businesses like hotels that directly or indirectly profit from trafficking.
A panel of Welsh and EU government officials were given the opportunity to speak regarding the unique system in Wales that has risen to the challenge of addressing trafficking in all forms. Stephen Chapman, the Wales Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator, pointed out that Wales is the only country in Europe that employs a dedicated Anti-Trafficking Coordinator. The other panelists spoke about Wales' focus on awareness raising amongst citizens and early childhood intervention to prevent and recognize situations of trafficking.
The panelists reached a consensus on the importance of appointing national and EU level Anti-Trafficking Coordinators. Furthermore, the panelists agreed that more resources must be dedicated to working against human trafficking, as well as coherence in the EU strategy, and cooperation between CSOs, national rapporteurs, and other stakeholders.
The event provided an opportunity to learn about the anti-trafficking efforts being done in Wales, as well as to hear from the former EU Anti-Trafficking coordinator regarding her thoughts on the next steps necessary to bring about change in the field of anti-trafficking work. The day proved to be a helpful forum for exchanging expertise and strengthening collaboration.
Tags: Europe