Human trafficking awareness push in Scotland

Human Trafficking - credit British Red Cross

Scots will be asked to look out for possible victims of human trafficking as part of a new Scottish Government strategy on modern slavery.

People who have been trafficked often don't realise they are victims, so it will require the general public to identify them, the strategy suggests.

The document is released as Kevin Hyland, the UK independent anti-slavery commissioner, will release his annual report later today.

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Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Human trafficking is an abhorrent crime, causing lasting physical and psychological damage, yet such exploitation is happening in Scotland today. The number of trafficking victims identified and rescued in Scotland rose by 46% in the two years up to 2015. 

"Today's draft strategy sets out the approach to address trafficking and exploitation, aimed at exposing and eradicating these crimes."

He added: "I encourage anyone who has encountered such crimes - as a victim or witness or any other interested party - to have their say and help shape our action against these vile criminals. There must be no place to hide for them in Scotland."

Deputy Chief Constable Johnny Gwynne of Police Scotland told BBC radio people who suspect they have been served by or purchased a product made by a victim of human trafficking should call 101.

"Trafficking is often a hidden crime and its victims frequently don't see themselves as such, therefore we proactively look for victims," he said.

Later Prime Minister Theresa May will make a speech on modern slavery.

"Our challenge is to ensure that the fight against slavery carries on - to free people from the bonds of servitude, to free those in mental chains, and to free people from the clutches of slave-drivers and traffickers," she will say.

"I want Britain at the forefront of this fight, leading the world with our efforts to stamp out modern slavery."

She will add: "We will work tirelessly, relentlessly pursuing the perpetrators of these appalling crimes so that victims of slavery can go free."

Home Office figures suggest there are an estimated 45m potential victims of human trafficking around the world, with between 10,000 and 13,000 in Britain.

May will pledge £33m from the aid budget to focus on high risk trafficking source countries such as Nigeria, Vietnam, Romania, Poland and Albania.