Ratify the Convention against trafficking

2007 marks the bicentennial year of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, yet the global trade in people thrives. There is growing evidence of people being trafficked into the UK for sexual exploitation, domestic work and labour exploitation.

Therefore, having signed the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (ECAT), I now call on the UK Government to act without delay by:

• Setting a deadline for Ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (ECAT)
• Implementing ECAT to the highest standards, ensuring adequate and professional care and support for victims and in particular granting a much needed reflection period of 90 days
• Keeping the promise to protect all victims of trafficking, in particular by allowing migrant domestic workers to keep their hard won rights, including to change employer and renew their visa, which can help them escape situations of trafficking and exploitation