U.K. "Opts Out" of E.U. Anti-Trafficking Efforts

Apparently the U.K. just isn't that interested in fighting human trafficking and modern-day slavery in their country. They've told the rest of Europe "no thanks" when it comes to joining a coalition to combat human trafficking across the continent. It's a move that not only might alienate their neighbors, but act as an open invitation to pimps and traffickers to move to the U.K.

The British have a special right within the E.U. to opt in or out of specific measures decided on by the whole of Europe. Sadly, they've chosen to exercise this "opt out" right to avoid being part of a coalition that could take great strides toward reducing human trafficking. Among other things, the coalition would create a common European definition for the crime of human trafficking and make it easier to prosecute traffickers who move victims through multiple European countries. Without U.K. participation, however, the coalition will have a gaping hole that can serve as a safe haven for modern-day slavers.

But the refusal to participate in the E.U. initiative is not the only indication the U.K. isn't interested in combating human trafficking. Despite a recent report which estimated there are at least 2600 trafficked women and 9600 at-risk women in England's the commercial sex industry alone, only five people have been convicted of the crime in 2010. That represents a significant decrease in convictions from previous years. Interestingly, however, the prosecution rate has remained steady. You'd think a nation struggling to get human traffickers off the streets would want all the help they could get from their neighbors.

Why isn't the U.K. interested in combating human trafficking? Is it because they like to believe that modern-day slavery is a problem for the rest of Europe, but not for them? Because human trafficking happens in your backyard just like it happens in mine. Or is it just a question of political laziness? Yes, modern-day slavery is a challenging, elusive, and sometimes controversial issue, but that doesn't make the abuses of victims any less real or their need for freedom any less immediate.

What gives, Great Britain? Why are you so intent on ignoring human trafficking in your country?

Photo credit: antony_mayfield