ACTOR AND PRESENTER Ross Kemp tonight launched a new organisation dedicated to the support of people whose lives have been impacted by human trafficking.
Officially launching the new agency at a special gala evening tonight in the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor he said that it was an international issue which is of great interest to him.
Misery
He said: “There are more slaves in the world today than any other time in history. It’s a trade that brings misery to millions of people, whether it be bonded labour, domestic servitude or sexual exploitation.”
Kemp added:
Human trafficking is a crime against all that’s human.I support wholeheartedly Flourish NI and North Down and Ards Active Communities again Human Trafficking.
The aim of the organisation is to empower survivors of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation to move forward and build better lives, said Jill Robinson from Flourish NI.
The organisation hopes to give practical support and guidance as well as compassion and friendship to those who have lived through a human trafficking experience.
There will also be financial advice and support, access to specialist legal advice, training or educational opportunities, as well as help to find employment and with housing issues.
Awareness
Chief Superintendent Peter Farrar, from PSNI, added:
This event was a great opportunity to raise awareness of the issue of human trafficking. As the Police Service of Northern Ireland, we are committed to ensuring the safety of any potential victims of human trafficking and apprehending offenders.
Farrar said that partnership is critical to combating this horrendous crime and groups like Flourish NI play an important role in ensuring the needs of survivors of trafficking and exploitation are met and that they are given the support they need.
He added:
But we also need the help and support of local communities. We need them to be our eyes and ears. Information from the public is a crucial part of identifying potential victims and assisting investigations.
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