Lords back legal advocates for child trafficking victims

The amendments were voted for by Lords yesterday and were added by the government following lobbying by children’s rights groups.

The bill, which is expected to become law ahead of May's general election, will give statutory status to advocates and powers to appoint and instruct legal representation for children.

In addition, authorities can be compelled to provide information to them about victims.

The move has been backed by child trafficking and exploitation prevention charity Ecpat UK, which gathered 80,000 signatures to a petition backing a strengthened role for advocates.

Chloe Setter, head of advocacy, policy and campaigns at Ecpat, said: “Trafficked children are desperately vulnerable, often having suffered years of abuse and exploitation.

“Having someone independent by their side and on their side is so crucial.

"This will help children exercise their rights and ensure there is adequate protection to keep them safe.

"Simply, it will be someone who cares what happens to the child, as a parent should, someone to explain the complex systems, someone to speak up when there is injustice or bad practice, someone to trust who won’t let the child down.”

The bill also has an “enabling mechanism” compelling the government to introduce regulations on advocates within nine months of it being given Royal Assent. They will also be assigned to British victims of trafficking as well as those from abroad.

Provision of advocates for child trafficking victims is currently being piloted for a year in 23 council areas and will be evaluated at the six-month and 12-month stages.

Speaking during the debate on the amendments Home Office minister Lord Bates said:
“The government amendments clarify beyond doubt the independence of the child trafficking advocate’s role; ensure the advocate promotes the child’s wellbeing as well as acts in the child’s best interests; and give the advocate the power to assist the child in obtaining legal advice.”

Last month Northern Ireland became the first UK region to introduce legal guardians for trafficked children, when the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill in Northern Ireland became law.

Draft legislation for a similar move has also been published in Scotland.

The House of Lords also voted in favour of clauses in the Modern Slavery Bill that make it easier to prosecute those that abuse, exploit and traffic children.

This is through strengthening the criminal offence of slavery, servitude and forced labour to cover all forms of exploitation, including sexual exploitation and forced criminality.