S&D Euro MPs today backed a resolution calling on member states to take action against trafficking in human beings, of which the majority are women.
 
S&D Group spokesperson for this issue, labour Euro MP Mary Honeyball said:
 
"Today, the European Parliament is issuing a wakeup call to EU member states. Trafficking in human beings is a gender issue. The most robust data we have available suggests that at least 80% of victims of trafficking are women. Of these, the vast majority are trafficked for sexual exploitation and prostitution.  Our prevention approach should be based on demand reduction.
 
"The fight against trafficking in human beings requires close cooperation between member states. Only by working together can we develop Europe-wide data to understand flows and trends in trafficking and pool resources to identify and prosecute these cross-border criminal networks.
 
S&D MEPs have led calls for better identification, treatment and support for victims as well as harsher penalties for traffickers and those who exploit victims."
 
Note to the editor:
 
In 2011, the EU has adopted a directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims. The text was due to be transposed by EU member states by 6 April 2013.