53
Deferred
Human trafficking victims still prosecuted due to insufficient understanding of statutory defence
Conclusion
Victims of human trafficking are continuing to be prosecuted for criminal acts they were compelled to commit. The evidence suggests that this is mainly due to an insufficient understanding amongst investigators, prosecutors, judges, and defence lawyers of the statutory defence available to such victims, and when or how that defence should be applied.
Government Response Summary
The government's response distinguishes between people smuggling and human trafficking, explaining that human trafficking involves exploitation by force, fraud, or intimidation and includes internal travel, without addressing the concern about victims being prosecuted due to a lack of understanding of statutory defence.
Paragraph Reference
166
Government Response
Deferred
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
54. The Government recognises that people smuggling differs from human trafficking. a view to exploiting them by force, fraud or intimidation. Human trafficking includes travel within a country, not just across international borders.
Source
Committee
Home Affairs Committee
Inquiry
Human Trafficking
Report
First Report - Human trafficking
08 Dec 2023
HC 124
Addressee Bodies
Home Office
Timeline
Recommendation age
2.5 yrs
Report published
08 Dec 2023