2012 07PU - HUMAN TRAFFICKING: NATIONAL ACTION PLAN
Whereas Statements
1. The National Council of Women of Canada adopted policies in 2001 and 2006 addressing the issue of human trafficking.
2. Human trafficking remains a global and international issue, affecting Canada as both a transit and destination country. It is one of the largest underground criminal activities, second only to drug and arms sales, generating approximately US$31.6 billion annually.
3. Human trafficking of women and children is a complex issue, tied to wealth disparity, power imbalances, and security vulnerabilities. Women and children are often economically, socially, and politically vulnerable.
4. Human trafficking violates international human rights agreements, particularly those addressing violence against women and children.
5. The RCMP estimates that 600-800 persons are trafficked into Canada annually, with an additional 1,500-2,000 trafficked through Canada to the United States. Trafficking occurs at both inter-provincial and intra-provincial levels.
6. Addressing human trafficking requires collaborative action between governments, volunteer organizations, researchers, and the public.
Resolved Statements
1. The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopts as policy the need for a comprehensive national action plan to address the root causes of human trafficking, recognizing that human trafficking is a heinous crime.
2. The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to develop and introduce, as a matter of priority, a national action plan to eliminate human trafficking. This plan must acknowledge that human trafficking is a heinous crime requiring a coordinated and comprehensive response, including:
- Prevention
- Protection of victims
- Prosecution of human traffickers