Human trafficking

Human trafficking

Since the widespread criticism by the court of all the parties involved in the case of R v O [2008], solicitors, prosecutors and judges at all levels are under a positive duty to identify and investigate the possibility that a defendant or a client may be a victim of human trafficking. The case has far-ranging implications beyond the criminal justice system because instances of human trafficking may just as easily turn up in immigration, employment and family proceedings.

Topics to be covered will include

• Understanding the existing UK and European trafficking prevention framework, including:
  • Council of Europe Convention
  • National Referral Mechanism
  • CPS Guidelines
• Exploring key trafficking indicators
  • What should you look out for?
  • What common factors often point to human trafficking?
  • How do you distinguish between trafficking and smuggling? What are the implications?
• Solicitor's duty to investigate
  • What do you need to do when you identify a victim?
  • What specific actions should you take to identify a potential victim?
  • What are the professional consequences of failing to spot instances of trafficking?
• Update on latest case law
  • A detailed look at the criticisms in R v O
  • Comprehensive coverage of cases from the criminal courts and immigration tribunals
• Victim care
  • What are your immediate responsibilities for care of the victim?
  • What resources are available to solicitors to refer victims to?
  • What should your ongoing involvement look like?