Consultation on amendments to human trafficking and exploitation legislation

The provision of assistance and support to potential victims of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour has been in place in Northern Ireland since March 2016 but is currently not a statutory duty. It also proposes to amend section 12 of the HT Act 2015 to remove the statutory requirement to publish a strategy at least once in every year.

It is proposed that combining a longer term strategy with annual operational plans will provide an appropriate and proportionate level of assurance that the Department can both respond quickly to a changing environment, while also enabling it to work collectively with others to ensure the protection and support of victims and the prosecution of traffickers.

Responses should be completed on the questionnaire at Annex A of the of the consultation document.

Alternative formats and further information

Hard copies of this consultation document and, copies in other formats, including Braille, large print etc., can be made available upon request. If you require an alternative format or a language other than English, please let us know and we will do our best to assist you.  If you require any further information on the consultation process or the content of this document, or any other assistance to make a response, please contact the Department.

We can be contacted using the details provided below:

By Phone:     02890 520066

By Email:       OCB.enquiries@justice-ni.x.gsi.gov.uk

The consultation will run for an 8 week period from 7 July to 1 September 2020.