Scotland: Parliament Adopts New Anti-Trafficking Legislation

The Scottish Parliament recently approved new laws against trafficking in human beings. The new legislation, the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill, tightens the definition of human trafficking and imposes a maximum sentence of life in prison for convicted traffickers. The laws also direct prosecutors to avoid prosecuting trafficking victims for crimes committed while they were being trafficked. To mark anti-slavery day, Scottish officials stated, “[w]e will ensure that victims of human trafficking will be provided with the support and assistance they need . . . Trafficking has no place in our communities.”

 

Compiled fromAnti-slavery day marked in ScotlandBBC News (October 18, 2015)