OTTAWA – Concerns that the 2010 Olympics will be a “flashpoint for human trafficking” are indeed being taken seriously by the Conservative Government, BC Senator Mobina Jaffer learned yesterday. The government’s acknowledgment of this serious issue came late in the day in response to questions by Senator Jaffer during question period.
“This question is a serious one… I am aware of many initiatives the government plans to take regarding this terrible potential situation… I would like to have the opportunity to provide senators with a written answer,” said Senator Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate.
The fact that there are “Government planned initiatives” to combat human trafficking associated with the Games comes as a relief to Jaffer, who has worked diligently with both government and NGO’s to combat human trafficking within Canada and abroad. She says, “I’m relieved hear there is a plan and look forward to learning the specifics of it from Senator LeBreton. The 2012 Olympic Games in London are already dealing with this issue and have appointed a police commissioner to specifically devise a plan to cope with human trafficking concerns.”
News of government plans come on the heals of a critical report released in early November by Leading NGO The Future Group. Their study found a link between international sporting events and an upsurge in the demand for prostitution, which can fuel human trafficking.
It is estimated that as many as 4 million girls and women are sold world-wide into forced prostitution, slavery or force marriage. Canada is not an exception to this problem: it is both a destination and transit country for victims of trafficking from Eastern Europe, China, Southeast Asia and Latin America. The RCMP conservatively estimates that between 800-1,200 people are victims of human trafficking each year; however, non governmental organizations estimate this number as high as 16,000 per year, most of who end up working in forced labour or the illegal sex trade.
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