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21/10/2022
Consultation On Modern Slavery And Human Trafficking Strategy
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced the launch of a 12-week public consultation on a proposed three-year Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Strategy for Northern Ireland.
The consultation seeks views and comments from individuals and organisations across all sectors to ensure that the resulting strategy is as informed, comprehensive and effective as possible.
Minister Long said: "It is fitting that this consultation is launched on International Anti-Slavery Day. Anti-slavery day is promoted around the world to highlight that the issues associated with modern slavery and human trafficking are wide ranging and can impact on all of us.
"Tackling it requires everybody to work together to ensure victims are supported, society is informed and that authorities are enabled to pursue the selfish and heartless offenders who prey on the most vulnerable in society."
Following the enactment of the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 this strategy is the first 3-year strategy for Northern Ireland and the fifth overall.
As with previous strategies, commitments and objectives continue to be set out under three key themes, namely to pursue offenders, protect victims and prevent these crimes from occurring.
Mrs Long continued: "We must ensure there is adequate support and protection for adult and child victims in tackling this form of criminality. Through collaborative work we can achieve commitments within the strategy in both the short, medium and long term to ensure Northern Ireland is a place free from human trafficking and modern slavery.
"I am also publishing the 2021/22 progress report which demonstrates the significant progress made by a range of partners to deliver the commitments in the 21/22 strategy; we cannot however afford to let our guard down in tackling this heinous crime.
"I would encourage everyone to be alert to potential modern slavery or human trafficking abuses, and to contact the police or the Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700 with any concerns."
The consultation seeks views and comments from individuals and organisations across all sectors to ensure that the resulting strategy is as informed, comprehensive and effective as possible.
Minister Long said: "It is fitting that this consultation is launched on International Anti-Slavery Day. Anti-slavery day is promoted around the world to highlight that the issues associated with modern slavery and human trafficking are wide ranging and can impact on all of us.
"Tackling it requires everybody to work together to ensure victims are supported, society is informed and that authorities are enabled to pursue the selfish and heartless offenders who prey on the most vulnerable in society."
Following the enactment of the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 this strategy is the first 3-year strategy for Northern Ireland and the fifth overall.
As with previous strategies, commitments and objectives continue to be set out under three key themes, namely to pursue offenders, protect victims and prevent these crimes from occurring.
Mrs Long continued: "We must ensure there is adequate support and protection for adult and child victims in tackling this form of criminality. Through collaborative work we can achieve commitments within the strategy in both the short, medium and long term to ensure Northern Ireland is a place free from human trafficking and modern slavery.
"I am also publishing the 2021/22 progress report which demonstrates the significant progress made by a range of partners to deliver the commitments in the 21/22 strategy; we cannot however afford to let our guard down in tackling this heinous crime.
"I would encourage everyone to be alert to potential modern slavery or human trafficking abuses, and to contact the police or the Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700 with any concerns."
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New Strategy To Tackle Modern Slavery And Human Trafficking
A new strategy to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking, which will focus on prevention, protecting victims and pursuing offenders, is being developed by the Department of Justice.
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A new strategy to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking, which will focus on prevention, protecting victims and pursuing offenders, is being developed by the Department of Justice.
14 March 2022
Consultation On Modern Slavery And Human Trafficking Legislation
Justice Minister Naomi Long is seeking input on the development of new legislation to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking.
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Justice Minister Naomi Long is seeking input on the development of new legislation to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking.
17 October 2023
PSNI Marks Anti-Slavery Week With 'Holistic Day Of Action'
The PSNI and partners held an "holistic day of action" on Monday, 16 October to mark the start of Anti-Slavery Week. The first phase of the day saw Organised Crime Branch, with the support of district officers and partner organisations tackle the very real issue of modern slavery and human trafficking.
PSNI Marks Anti-Slavery Week With 'Holistic Day Of Action'
The PSNI and partners held an "holistic day of action" on Monday, 16 October to mark the start of Anti-Slavery Week. The first phase of the day saw Organised Crime Branch, with the support of district officers and partner organisations tackle the very real issue of modern slavery and human trafficking.
22 June 2018
Man Charged With Human Trafficking And Controlling Prostitution
Police have charged a 33-year-old man with human trafficking and controlling prostitution offences. The suspect was arrested in Belfast by detectives from the PSNI Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit as part of an operation on Wednesday, 20 June. He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court today, 22 June.
Man Charged With Human Trafficking And Controlling Prostitution
Police have charged a 33-year-old man with human trafficking and controlling prostitution offences. The suspect was arrested in Belfast by detectives from the PSNI Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit as part of an operation on Wednesday, 20 June. He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court today, 22 June.
20 July 2022
Martin Heaney Jailed For Five Years
A 59-year-old man has been jailed for five years for a range of offences including human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and voyeurism. At Laganside Crown Court today, Wednesday 20 July, Martin Heaney was sentenced to five years imprisonment. A Sex Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO) was also issued and will be in place for 7 years.
Martin Heaney Jailed For Five Years
A 59-year-old man has been jailed for five years for a range of offences including human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and voyeurism. At Laganside Crown Court today, Wednesday 20 July, Martin Heaney was sentenced to five years imprisonment. A Sex Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO) was also issued and will be in place for 7 years.
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