PRESS RELEASE - CARE welcomes the publication of today’s report by the Justice Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly in support of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill proposed by Lord Morrow.

Following intense scrutiny of the Private Member’s Bill over the last six months, 17 of the 19 clauses designed to strengthen the law on tackling human trafficking and improve the support provided for its victims were agreed upon by the cross-party members of the committee.

CARE wholeheartedly supports the provisions in Lord Morrow’s Bill which include measures to protect victims in court proceedings (Clause 14), the introduction of child trafficking guardians to support child victims specifically (Clause 12) and the establishment in law of the right of victims to assistance and support in their recovery and rehabilitation (Clause 10).

In evidence to the Committee, CARE also indicated its support for criminalising the purchase of sexual services (Clause 6) which was approved by a majority of members of the Committee without opposition.

Mark Baillie, CARE in Northern Ireland Public Affairs Officer, said:

“We are delighted that the Justice Committee has given its backing to this ground-breaking Human Trafficking Bill. Support for the victims of this terrible and abusive trade is at the heart of Lord Morrow’s Bill and will put Northern Ireland ahead of the rest of the UK.”

“This proposed law will make a real difference to the lives of those who have been exploited in our province. We strongly commend this Bill to MLAs and hope it will be backed by members from all sides of the house.”

Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will have the opportunity to debate the Bill when it returns to the Assembly in the autumn.

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For further information or interviews please contact James Mildred on tel: 07581 153693 or email: james.mildred@care.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

The full Committee report can be found here: http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Assembly-Business/Committees/Justice/Reports/Report-on-the-Human-Trafficking-and-Exploitation-Further-Provisions-and-Support-for-Victims-Bill-NIA-2611-15/

The Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill can be found here: http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Assembly-Business/Legislation/Current-Non-Executive-Bill-Proposals/Human-Trafficking-and-Exploitation-Further-Provisions-and-Support-for-Victims-Bill-/

17 of the 19 clauses were agreed upon. Only one clause was opposed by the Committee, Clause 8, which considered the area of non-prosecution of victims of human trafficking and the Committee will put forward its own amendment to Clause 19 of the Bill which relates to the date of implementation.

CARE (Christian Action Research and Education) is a well-established mainstream Christian charity providing resources and helping to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives. CARE is represented in the UK Parliaments and Assemblies, at the EU in Brussels and the UN in Geneva and New York. CARE is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales at 53 Romney Street, London, SW1P 3RF, Company No: 3481417, Charity No: 1066963, Scottish Charity No: SC038911 Website: www.care.org.uk