Jan 4

Written by: host
1/4/2007 11:21 AM

The British Conservative Party has called on the UK Government to sign and ratify the Council of Europe convention on Action Against Trafficking in human beings. The government has been reticent to sign the convention due to fears that giving victims permission to stay in the country for a thirty day reflection period might lead to an increase in illegal immigration. David Davis, the shadow home secretary stated, however, that giving a thirty day reflection period will not lead to illegal immigration, as the victims are “ready to go and become witnesses”. While the intention to support the Convention is a big step forward, it is important to understand that victims must be given a reflection period whether they are ready to testify or not. Many victims feel too frightened of reprisals to testify against their traffickers. The UK government has replied that the Conservative Party should support ID cards if they are really against human trafficking. Although the UK government has been making great progress in the fight against human trafficking, it is important that it follows the lead of the Conservative Party and agrees to sign the Council of Europe Convention. (source: www.theherald.co.uk, article now deleted)

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