Friday 25 November 2005 - UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Plaid Cymru Euro-MP Jill Evans is calling for action to be taken on a European level to tackle the trafficking of women who are often forced into prostitution.

The European Parliament is discussing a more effective European strategy to prevent the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation. This could include:

* a European monitoring centre for the collection and analysis of accurate figures on trafficking;

* better information sharing between European police forces;

* developing a special programme for child victims

Jill Evans said:

"On this, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we are calling for more effective action to tackle this growing trade in human beings - a modern day form of slavery.

It is estimated that 600,000 to 800,000 men, women and children are trafficked across international borders every year. Of those, about 80% are women and girls and up to 50% are minors. The majority of victims work as enforced prostitutes. The trade is controlled by highly organised crime networks and is more lucrative than drug smuggling.

"The recent prosecution in Cardiff shows how serious a problem this is. We must ensure that proper support is given to the victims of traffickers, that the laws are strong enough to deal with the criminal gangs, but also that we address the root causes which include poverty, violence against women and the abuse of human rights.

Better action at a European level could make a big difference."

Ends.