Trafficking and exploiting human beings is an appalling abuse of human rights. We are clear that any form of human trafficking or exploitation is completely unacceptable.
We are working to prevent human trafficking and exploitation in Scotland, and to respond effectively when it does occur.
Actions
We are:
- implementing the second Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy
- developing the support available to trafficking victims
- making it easier for the police and courts to take action to punish and prevent trafficking
- raising awareness of trafficking by producing human trafficking resources in multiple languages,
- promoting a toolkit for First Responders to help refer potential victims of trafficking into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
Background
Human trafficking is a serious crime and a violation of human rights. In Scotland, perpetrators can face punishment of imprisonment for life.
The crimes involve the illegal practice of recruiting, transporting, receiving, controlling, or exchanging people to exploit them, mostly for profit.
Victims can be exploited for labour, criminal and sexual purposes as well as for domestic work or organ harvesting.
The National Referral Mechanism is the UK wide framework for identifying and referring potential victims of human trafficking and exploitation. The system ensures potential victims receive appropriate support.
Bills and legislation
The Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act (Scotland) 2015 is the law in Scotland which protects the rights of potential victims of human trafficking and exploitation and sets out the section 1 offence of human trafficking and section 4 offence of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is the law in England and Wales for human trafficking and exploitation crimes, but some parts also apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland including the UK-wide role of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) and section 54 of the Act relating to Transparency in Supply Chains (TISC).
Slavery and human trafficking statement
The Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement reaffirms our commitment to tackling exploitation in all forms. It outlines how procurement, fair work, recruitment, and trade policy help reduce risks across our supply chains and identifies global sectors of concern. Our updated statement, due to be published in summer 2025, will detail ongoing actions to mitigate these risks.
Contact
The Scottish Government policy team should not be used for reporting crime. Your email will not be forwarded to law enforcement agencies.
Email: human.trafficking@gov.scot
Post:
Human Trafficking Team
Scottish Govenment
St Andrew’s House GWR
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG