Scotland's Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy 2025

Vision and Purpose

The vision of the Strategy is to:

prevent human trafficking and exploitation in Scotland and to respond effectively when it does occur.

There is no place for trafficking in Scotland and our shared ambition is for a Scotland free of this grave and unacceptable human rights violation.

The overarching purpose of this Strategy is to:

prevent trafficking and exploitation of adults and children by providing a clear framework, informed by survivor voices and data, through which our anti-trafficking interventions will be delivered.

We recognise, however, that it will not be possible to prevent trafficking and exploitation entirely given the systemic and global issues that drive and facilitate trafficking, as well as contextual factors out with the control of the Scottish Government, such as UK immigration policy. We also recognise that trafficking and exploitation often occurs outside of and before entering Scotland and the UK which will make our ability to prevent it more challenging.

The recognition that not all trafficking and exploitation can be prevented does not weaken our ambition for a Scotland free of the dehumanising exploitation that underlies trafficking. There can be no tolerance in Scotland for the actions of those seeking to benefit from the exploitation of others.

Where trafficking and exploitation has occurred, we will respond effectively and according to the principles outlined below. This will be in line with internationally recognised practices and will be focused on the timely identification, support and protection of victim-survivors and the identification, disruption and prosecution of perpetrators. We will also strengthen data and evidence collection in order to understand and increase the impact of our strategic actions.