Analysis: Multi-agency co-operation needed to make Scotland a country hostile to vile traders

DESPITE the fact that there had been no successful prosecutions for trafficking in Scotland until last year, our formal inquiry, published last November, revealed that trafficking in all its forms, and particularly for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation, was far from absent in Scotland.

Human trafficking operates below the radar, and in an atmosphere of oppression, control and fear. Consequently, it is a crime that is vastly under-reported and of which there is very low awareness.

Through the findings of the inquiry, it was apparent that efforts were undoubtedly being made by the bodies that deal with trafficking issues to recognise and tackle the problem – victim support agencies such as the Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) were providing exceptional services.

However, it was equally apparent that there needed to be more consistent multi-agency co-operation, led by the Scottish Government, in identifying and prosecuting the traffickers and providing support for victims.

The inquiry made ten findings in all, each with a corresponding recommendation in areas such as strategy, public and professional awareness.

As a consequence of our inquiry, the Scottish Government has already held a parliamentary debate on trafficking, and will be hosting a summit which will bring together bodies and agencies.The Scottish Government also supports the inquiry’s recommendation that a service standard should be developed for supporting victims.

These are important first steps towards tackling this egregious human rights abuse. Only by working together can we make Scotland a hostile environment for traffickers.

• Ros Micklem is director of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland.