Joyce Watson AM, Chair of the All Party Group on the Trafficking of Women and Children, will today (18th June) host an event at the Senedd where representatives from Amnesty International and the National Federation of Women’s Institutes will hand over a petition to the First Minister calling for better services for the women trafficked into Wales for the sex trade.WI members and Amnesty supporters from across Wales signed the petition calling for the Welsh Assembly Government to provide secure accommodation and support services for some of the hundreds of women made to work as sex slaves in Wales. A report published by Amnesty International last year showed that there may be 150 women at any one time forced to work in the sex trade.
Joyce Watson AM (Mid and West Wales) said:
“I established the All Party Group as I was appalled to hear about the brutal lives that these trafficked victims have to endure. It’s shocking to think it could be happening in my street, and in our communities. We need to keep raising the issue within the Assembly and ensure that the Assembly Government delivers its obligations to these trafficked victims.
“Our recent meeting of the All Party Group on the Trafficking of Women and Children was very useful, with strong presentations, and we intend to redouble our efforts to tackle this modern day slavery.”
Cathy Owens, Programme Director for Wales of Amnesty International, said:
“Victims of trafficking for the sex trade have been found in all parts of Wales – not just the big cities. Many of the young women involved believe they are coming here to work in the tourist or agricultural industries, and then find themselves at the mercy of evil gangmasters who take their passports, lock them in brothels and force them to have sex with 10 men a day.”
“The Assembly Government has obligations, both moral and legal, to support these women. There is already some good news to report, but this petition will demonstrate how strongly we and our supporters feel about the brutality of human trafficking.”
Marylyn Haines Evans, Chair of National Federation of Women’s Institutes, Wales, said:
“Our members around Wales have rallied together to raise awareness about this awful scourge. We are outraged that women could be kept as sex slaves in Wales in our cities, our towns and our villages. This petition shows how strongly our members feel, and I hope that the Assembly Government Ministers redouble their efforts to ensure that these women can be helped to access healthcare and counselling, and we can provide them with some hope in order to help them rebuild their lives after such a traumatic experience.”
“Numbers are rising as trafficking becomes the second largest criminal industry after the drug trade.”
The Welsh Assembly Government has put some steps in place to develop support in Wales, and those attending the event at the Senedd will hear an update on the campaign.
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