Government to sign the European Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings

2.58.00pm GMT Mon 22nd Jan 2007

Colin Ross, Phil Bennion and the Romanian Civil Servant responsible for Trafficking policy

Prime Minister Tony Blair is today formally announcing that the Government will sign the European Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings.

The Convention grants victims at least 30 days' grace to recover from the ordeal and consider prosecuting the people smugglers. It also guarantees secure accommodation, medical treatment and legal and translation assistance. Young victims will qualify for schooling.

Blair will set out the decision at a Downing Street reception being held to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade.

This is something I have posted on before and feel very strongly about, particularly having visited shelters in Romania for women that have escaped trafficking.