Unicef responds to the introduction of the Modern Slavery Bill
11 Jun 2014 12:12 PM
In response to the introduction
of the Modern Slavery Bill in the House of Commons recently, UNICEF UK’s
Deputy Executive Director Anita Tiessen said:
"UNICEF UK welcomes the
introduction of the Modern Slavery Bill as an historic moment in the fight
against modern slavery and human trafficking. Shamefully, at least ten children
are trafficked every week in the UK, facing a life of violence, exploitation
and abuse.
“UNICEF UK applauds the
Government’s strong commitment to combat trafficking and the cross-party
support behind the Bill. Whilst the Government has taken some important steps
to strengthen the focus on victims, it’s imperative the Bill goes further
to protect the most vulnerable and hidden members of our society –
trafficked children.
“Every trafficked child
should have a guardian who must be independent, established in law and given
the power to instruct legal representatives on the child’s
behalf.
“UNICEF UK is disappointed
not to see a separate offence for child trafficking in the Modern Slavery Bill,
which could increase prosecutions of traffickers. If done right, it could
identify when a child has been trafficked and act as a deterrent to potential
child traffickers.”
Notes to
editors:
For further information, please
contact: Alice Klein – UNICEF UK Media Office/ alicek@unicef.org.uk / + 44 (0)20 7375 6082
About
UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and
wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our
partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment
into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable
and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. UNICEF UK
raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work and advocates
for lasting change for children everywhere. We are a UK registered charity,
supported entirely by voluntary donations. We do not receive any money from the
UN. For more information, please visit unicef.org.uk