Liz Lynne launches Blue Blindfold campaign in EU on human trafficking

2.10.00pm GMT Wed 3rd Dec 2008

Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has today officially launched a Written Declaration in the European Parliament calling for Member States to rollout the 'Blue Blindfold' campaign.

The declaration, which was tabled on Liz's own initiative, seeks to highlight the Blue Blindfold campaign to raise awareness of the horrific crime of human trafficking. The central campaign message 'Don't close Your eyes To Human Trafficking' urges people to speak out when they suspect a person of being a victim of trafficking.

The launch comes just one day after the International Day Against Slavery which celebrates the adoption of the UN Convention Against Slavery in 1949. Human trafficking remains one of the most common types of slavery found around the world today.

The UN estimates that between 700 000 and 2 million men, women and children are trafficked around the world each year. Many are forced into prostitution or domestic servitude, while others are forced to work illegally or exploited for their labour.

Speaking at the event Liz said:

"It is my hope that this written declaration will help convince other EU Member States to sign up to the Blue Blindfold campaign. The blue blindfold is a symbol. It is a symbol of our ignorance. Human Trafficking is everywhere, it is in our cities and in our towns and yet we often seem blind to it.

"We need to ensure that this symbol is rolled out across the EU and indeed the world, so that every person understands its significance. We need to ensure that people recognise the blue blindfold and learn, through the campaign, how to report trafficking, whether they be a member of the public or a victim themselves.

"This is an excellent initiative and I am very happy to be supporting it. It should not replace properly funded police investigation units, or take away from the need for more refuge centres to help victims.

"Nor should it be an excuse for countries to avoid signing up to, and ratifying, the Council of Europe Convention on Trafficking and see through its proper implementation.

"It is also vital that EU Member States implement Directive 2004/81 on residence permits for the victims of trafficking, including the UK, who have still not opted in to the legislation.

"The Blue Blindfold Campaign cannot replace these things. But as part of a multi-pronged attack, I believe that this campaign can play an important part in helping to stop this horrendous crime."

ENDS

Notes:

Liz launched the declaration alongside Nick Kinsella, head of the United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre, and Grahame Maxwell, the UK Police Lead on Human Trafficking.

The Written Declaration as Co- Signed by: Jean Lambert, Edit Bauer and Marianne Mikko