Following the horrific attack of a young woman in South Belfast, Michelle Byrne, Vice Chair of SDLP @ Queens is urging people to make a stance and stop this happening again.

The young girl suffered this horrific attack on Agincourt Avenue. Michelle says “It is ridiculous that this girl was the victim of such a violent attack. Seeing as this is the fourth sexual attack in South Belfast in just one month, I think it is essential that the PSNI work hard and do everything in their power to ensure that this does not happen again. It is important now that the University works in conjunction with students and the PSNI to ensure a safe environment for all students and residents in South Belfast. I would urge anyone with information to contact your local PSNI station. Stop these attacks from happening in the future.”

SDLP Youth are meeting tomorrow night (Tuesday 2nd September) in Party HQ, Ormeau Road, Belfast @ 7pm. All members and party supporters (aged 16-30) are welcome. The main theme will be planning our campaigns and organising freshers for the next month. If you are a party member please see the youth forum for full details.

If you are a new member and want to come along just give us a call, or drop us an email with your phone number.

Also, the SDLP Women’s Group are meeting in Derry on Wednesday 3rd September @ 8pm. Age doesn’t matter - all welcome - except maybe men. If you want to go along, please call HQ 028 9024 7700 for details.

SDLP Youth have urged people across Ireland to support a European Wide Petition to protect women and young girls against sex trafficking by logging onto www.pes.org/content/view/381/169/lang,en/

Speaking on International Women’s Day SDLP Youth Vice Chair Claire Hanna said “We welcome the new anti-sex trafficking drive Operation Pentameter from the UK Government and the new commitment to sending traffickers the message that this vicious trade in women will not be tolerated. However we also agree with the concerns voiced by Amnesty International that this policy is still failing to protect the victims of trafficking.

“The reality of this crime is that the main victims are very young women some under the age of 16. Both the Irish and British governments have failed to develop comprehensive measures to protect and support people who have been trafficked into the country.

“The only way forward is for the both the Irish and British governments to sign up to the European Convention Against Trafficking, which would guarantee the vital protection required. This anti-sex trafficking drive will raise awareness of this crime and is definitely a step in the right direction. However we must ensure that when victims are discovered that they are protected not persecuted.

“Under current legislation these women would be treated as nothing more than illegal immigrants, however signing the European Convention Against Trafficking would totally change this and allow them to be treated as victims not criminals.”

SDLP Youth have today backed calls from Amnesty International and other organisations to battle sex trafficking.

SDLP Youth Chair John O’Doherty said “We welcome the new anti-sex trafficking drive Operation Pentameter from the UK Government and the new commitment to sending traffickers the message that this vicious trade in women will not be tolerated. However we also agree with the concerns voiced by Amnesty International that this policy is still failing to protect the victims of trafficking.

“The reality of this crime is that the main victims are very young women some under the age of 16. Both the Irish and British governments have failed to develop comprehensive measures to protect and support people who have been trafficked into the country.

“The only way forward is for the both the Irish and British governments to sign up to the European Convention Against Trafficking, which would guarantee the vital protection required. This anti-sex trafficking drive will raise awareness of this crime and is definitely a step in the right direction. However we must ensure that when victims are discovered that they are protected not persecuted.

“Under current legislation these women would be treated as nothing more than illegal immigrants, however signing the European Convention Against Trafficking would totally change this and allow them to be treated as victims not criminals.”

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NOTES TO EDITOR

Home Office research estimated that up to 1,420 women were trafficked into the UK for sexual exploitation in 2000 (1). Since this study was completed it is widely acknowledged that the problem of human trafficking has increased significantly.