Report on human trafficking in Canada
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) last week released Human Trafficking: A Report on Modern Day Slavery in Canada. The report focuses on measures Canada should take to reduce the occurrence of human trafficking at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.
Studies have shown that the number of occurrences of human trafficking increases dramatically before, during and following international events, such as was experienced at the Greek Olympic Games in 2004 and at FIFA World Cup events. Given that Canada is hosting the Vancouver Olympic Games in 2010, it is time for Canada to step up to the plate and develop policies and legislation in order to prevent trafficking and to protect its victims.
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[W]e respectfully submit that more can and should be done. Canada needs a broad and coherent action plan that addresses human trafficking within our unique national framework as well as being a nation member of the international community. The urgency that currently presses upon the Canadian government to develop such policies in light of the 2010 Olympic Games provides a unique opportunity for Canada to not only address the tragedy that is human trafficking, but to become an international leader in anti-trafficking measures.
Since Vancouver is already a destination city and transit point for human trafficking, it should be considered especially vulnerable for increased activity during the upcoming Olympics.
The report contains recommendations in three broad areas: prevention, prosecution of traffickers, and protection of victims.
Click here to download the full report (pdf).
More information on human trafficking in Canada is posted here and here.
The EFC has also endorsed Joy Smith’s private members’ bill,which would impose minimum sentences on those convicted of trafficking persons under the age of 18. Bill C-268 is due to come to a vote in the House of Commons tomorrow.
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