Trafficking of humans is a form of modern day slavery Says MEP

5.19.55pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 13th Jan 2005

Members of the European Parliament today urged the International Community to take more action to prevent trafficking of humans in Cambodia.

Member of the Human Rights Committee Liz Lynne MEP, in today's debate said that trafficking and sexual exploitation are forms of modern day slavery.

She said:

"In Cambodia alone a staggering 80,000 and 100,000 women and children could be caught up in the sex industry according to a Cambodian Government report. These figures have increased dramatically since the early 1990's.

"It is estimated that in 94% of cases brought to court, the judiciary fails to convict. Prosecutions of course need to be increased but these must result in convictions and that means corruption has to be stamped out. Often it is the poor who are convicted, such as the mother selling her daughter to put food on the table.

"According to a Cambodia NGO, Police, military police, army and other state personnel are involved in the trade, actively running or protecting trafficking rings and brothels. Traffickers also receive assistance from immigration workers."

The Liberal Democrat MEP concluded by urging the EU and Countries in the region to do everything they can to prevent the exploitation of women in Cambodia:

"The EU must work with Governments as well as Local and International NGO's to put an end to this trade. It is also imperative that there is co-operation between countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong to stop the flow of sex workers across borders. There is also a need for increased training and education of border police.

"It important that sex workers have greater access to affordable legal advice to increase convictions and continued education on HIV/AIDS prevention. NGO's also need increased funding, not only for these areas, but to assist to rehabilitate victims.

"Ultimately, the EU must continue targeting development aid to the most poverty-stricken areas of Cambodia so that young women who escape from entering the trade have an alternative and are not lured back into it through desperation."

ENDS