Sex-trafficking on the rise in Northern Ireland

Human trafficking 'a growing problem' in N.Ireland Human trafficking is a growing problem in Northern Ireland according to a British Government minister. Paul Goggins has told a House of Commons committee that there is some suggestion that foreign women are being used for the sex trade. The seedier side of Belfast life can be seen at night as prostitutes ply their trade in the city centre. But there is growing evidence that the sex trade in Northern Ireland is being fuelled by human trafficking. Northern Ireland Office minister Paul Goggins has told the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs committee that the issue of immigration crime - so-called people trafficking - has become a more pressing problem. He said there is an increase in female foreign nationals working as prostitutes and that there are a greater number of brothels operating in Belfast. But the minister says the problem is that often the women involved often say that they are doing it voluntarily and are not being forced into it. The police has said that it has made inquiries into the problem of people trafficking. Read the rest of the article here. human trafficking, sexual slavery, prostitution, fleshploitation