MEPs push for more EU action on child trafficking

2.38.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 10th Sep 2008

The European Parliament has formally adopted a declaration calling on EU member states to treat tackling child trafficking as a top priority in their national child protection policies.

It has received sufficient MEPs' signatures to be adopted and passed to the Council and the Commission as a demand for action.

London MEP and Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman Sarah Ludford has worked extensively on issues of abducted children and trafficking and strongly supported the declaration. In July she went to Thailand and Cambodia as part of a European Liberal Democrat 'Say No' campaign to step up the fight against sex tourism. She said:

"It is estimated that two million children annually are trafficked for forced labour and sex slavery, and EU member states must step up their fight against this appalling crime. The spread of internet and computer technology makes the fight against child trafficking and pornography more complex but also more important than ever."

"MEPs are demanding action from the police in the 27 EU member states. We do not need more resolutions or more legislation, we have enough. Governments need to find the political will and the funding to break up the networks and put the perpetrators behind bars."

Related press releases:

Situation of child sex tourism in Cambodia and Thailand is alarming. More and more children are used as sex slaves.

http://www.sarahludfordmep.org.uk/news/001079/situation_of_child_sex_tourism_in_cambodia_and_thailand_is_alarming_more_and_more_children_are_used_as_sex_slaves.html

Time to "Say NO" to child sex tourism

http://www.sarahludfordmep.org.uk/news/001056/time_to_say_no_to_child_sex_tourism.html

MEPs back increased EU funding for Maddy child alert scheme

http://www.sarahludfordmep.org.uk/news/001072/meps_back_increased_eu_funding_for_maddy_child_alert_scheme.html

Euro-MPs bring Maddy-inspired EU alert scheme closer

http://www.sarahludfordmep.org.uk/news/001070/euromps_bring_maddyinspired_eu_alert_scheme_closer.html

EU missing child alert could prevent future Maddy tragedies

http://www.sarahludfordmep.org.uk/news/001053/eu_missing_child_alert_could_prevent_future_maddy_tragedies.html