The Human Trafficking & Exploitation Bill in Northern Ireland, which was given Royal Assent this week, contains a provision for trafficked and separated children who arrive in the country without a parent, or primary caregiver, to have an independent legal guardian to help them.
Ecpat UK, which has been campaigning for legal guardians for a decade, said the move will put pressure on the UK and Scottish governments to follow suit for the rest of the UK.
Chloe Setter, head of advocacy, policy and campaigns at Ecpat UK, said: “We want this to put pressure on other governments so they step up to the game on this.
“It builds momentum for the campaign.
“These children need this service. It is not a luxury for them, it is essential for them to help them navigate a complicated system.”
There are currently 23 authorities in England taking part in a trial of the use of independent advocates to support child victims of trafficking, although they do not have the same power to represent the child's views in legal proceedings as a legal guardian would.
An amendment to the Modern Slavery Bill, currently going through parliament at the moment, has been tabled to allow for the introduction of legal guardians in England and Wales, and is due to be debated next month.
Setter added: “We are very much using the legislation in Northern Ireland as leverage to put pressure on the governments of England and Wales, and Scotland.
“Northern Ireland is leading the way and we don’t want the rest of the UK to be left behind."
In Northern Ireland, legal guardians will support children to access their rights to services and support to help rebuild their lives, including educational, medical, practical and legal assistance.
They will have statutory powers ensuring they have the ability to work effectively with public authorities, challenge poor practices and hold authorities accountable in their duty to protect and safeguard children from harm.
Provision will be available until the child reaches the age of 21.
