Naomi Long

The proposals would also relax the requirement for the Department of Justice to publish a human trafficking strategy every year, allowing for strategies to be drawn up on a longer-term basis.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Human trafficking is a heinous crime which exploits the most vulnerable in society. It’s something none of us want to believe could be happening close to home but yet it is happening within our society.

“Amending the existing legislation would mean that the provision of assistance and support to potential victims of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour would become a statutory requirement.

“Proposed amendments would also allow for a longer term strategy, which would allow my Department, along with partners, to set a strategic direction for addressing modern slavery, while also delivering shorter-term operational plans.

“We have all seen the tragic outcomes that human trafficking creates and I urge people to engage with this consultation.”

The consultation on the proposed amendments to sections 12 and 18 of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support For Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 will run for eight weeks, ending on 1 September 2020.