Human trafficking plan needed: police chiefs

B.C. police chiefs are pushing for a national strategy on human trafficking.

They want better programs created to help rescued victims and to prosecute traffickers.

The BC Association of Chiefs of Police is calling on the federal government to update laws and provide more funding for programs for victims.

Association spokesperson, Abbotsford Police Chief Constable Bob Rich, said the federal government is doing a good thing in allowing trafficking victims to remain in Canada to testify against traffickers, but more needs to be done.

"I am encouraging a more holistic approach where we actually really look after these people's needs because then the chances somebody will come forward as a whistleblower are greatly increased if they really know they're going to be treated fairly and well," Rich said.

Rich also said laws preventing convicted child sex offenders from freely traveling abroad should be vigorously enforced.

Human trafficking involves the illegal movement of people across international borders for the purpose of exploitation, usually in the form of forced labour, prostitution and other forms of servitude, and usually involves threats or the use of force.

According to the federal government, most human trafficking victims are women and children from Asia, who are often forced into the sex trade.

In 2007, B.C. established the Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons with the goal of developing and coordinating the province's strategy to address human trafficking.