Ford announces measures to support victims of slavery

The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying victims of human trafficking or modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support. The Minister has decided to extend the scope of the NRM to all victims of modern slavery, not just those who have been trafficked.

David Ford said: “The response to human trafficking and modern slavery across Northern Ireland has been totally transformed over the last six years. 

“Across the justice and health sectors increasing numbers of frontline professionals have received training in how to spot and respond to suspicious signs of modern slavery.  There has been engagement with schools, with council staff, legal professionals, migrant workers and “at-risk” groups; and with the wider public to raise awareness.  Good working relationships have also been established between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána to share best practice and to tackle cross-border cases of modern slavery. 

“New legislation is also now in place which has simplified the legislative framework for investigators and prosecutors.  Changes to the sentencing framework in Northern Ireland are helping to strengthen public protection, as will new Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders when they come into effect later this year. There have also been improvements to the support and protection available to victims, with legislation now clearly setting out the assistance that should be provided to potential victims in the NRM.”

Continuing the Minister said: “I believe that victims need to be at the heart of what we do and that is why the reform of the arrangements in Northern Ireland is so important.  A number of pilot schemes are underway in England which we will consider and learn from in order to ensure that we put in place the most effective arrangements to identify and support victims.  

“As a first step towards enhancing the NRM in Northern Ireland, I have decided to extend the scope of the NRM here to all victims of modern slavery, not just to those who have been trafficked.  This is an important step forward and will ensure parity of treatment, support and protection to those amongst us who are vulnerable and exploited.  My officials are working to put in place the necessary arrangements as quickly as possible.”

The Minister made today’s announcement at a workshop on modern slavery in Parliament Buildings attended by those who had participated in an ‘awareness run’ organised by the ‘In The Long Run’ (ITLR) project. The run from Dublin to Letterkenny (via Belfast)  started on St Patrick’s Day and the story of St Patrick as a victim of trafficking has been used as a theme in the work that ITLR has been doing in schools along the way.

The event reached Stormont today where Dame Mary Peters CH DBE officially blew the starting whistle to set the runners on their way up the mile to Parliament Buildings.  David Ford said:  “I want to commend those involved in the “In the Long Run” project, for the personal commitment, dedication and drive that they have shown. 

“The Stormont hill may have posed a challenge today, but it is a greater uphill battle that we are engaged in - to reduce demand for the services of victims; to prevent trafficking and exploitation; to pursue perpetrators; and to support victims back to a place of safety and security in their lives.” 

Notes to editors: 

1. The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying victims of human trafficking or modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support. The NRM was introduced in 2009 to meet the UK’s obligations under the Council of European Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.
2. “In the Long Run” (ITLR) is a project based in Belgium and organised by the global NGO, “Stop the Traffik”.  It aims to raise awareness of human trafficking as well as funding for counter-trafficking work, by using teams of sponsored runners to draw attention to an anti-trafficking campaign as they travel along major international human trafficking routes.  The ITLR Ireland project has been supported by the local NGO, Freedom Acts.
3. Based in Portadown, Freedom Acts provides a dynamic resource in educating young people and the wider community about human trafficking and exploitation, as well as providing training to relevant groups and agencies.  It focuses on three main goals: awareness, activism and protection.  Freedom Acts is also represented on the DOJ’s Engagement Group on human trafficking.
4. For all media queries, please contact the DOJ Press Office on 028 9052 6444.  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

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