Stormont inquiry to investigate ‘pimping websites’ in NI – BBC

Stormont Inquiry into Online Exploitation of Vulnerable Women in Northern Ireland

Introduction and Context

A new inquiry has been launched by the Northern Ireland Assembly’s All-Party Group (APG) on Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation to investigate the rise of “pimping websites” in Northern Ireland. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), aiming to combat exploitation and promote justice for vulnerable women trafficked and exploited through online platforms.

Objectives of the Inquiry

• Gather evidence from frontline organizations, law enforcement agencies, and survivors.
• Examine the operational mechanisms of online exploitation platforms.
• Identify necessary legislative or regulatory reforms to reduce exploitation.

This inquiry is conducted 11 years after the enactment of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Northern Ireland) Act 2015, which criminalized the purchase of sexual services, reinforcing SDG 16 by strengthening legal frameworks against trafficking and exploitation.

Launch Event

An event marking the start of the inquiry was held at Parliament Buildings, hosted by the APG and the charity Care NI, emphasizing collaborative efforts to address human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.

Legal Framework in Northern Ireland

Current Legislation

1. The Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Northern Ireland) Act 2015 makes it a criminal offence to pay for sexual services, either directly or indirectly.
2. It remains legal to sell sexual services and to loiter or solicit for selling sexual services.
3. It is illegal to keep or manage a brothel or control prostitution for profit.

This legal framework supports SDG 16 by aiming to reduce exploitation through criminalizing demand while protecting the rights of individuals involved.

Perspectives from Key Stakeholders

• Peter Martin, Chair of the APG: Highlighted concerns about commercial sexual exploitation intersecting with modern slavery and criticized online platforms for hiding behind narratives of empowerment and safety.
• Jessica McDowell, CARE NI Policy Officer: Called for stronger action against criminal gangs profiting from online exploitation and hopes the inquiry will strengthen legislation to better protect vulnerable women and girls.

Prevalence and Impact of Online Exploitation

Extent of Online Advertising

Ruth Breslin, Director of the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy (SERP) Institute, reported that prostitution advertising websites are highly prevalent and integral to the sex trade. She emphasized that these platforms often advertise vulnerable women, many of whom are trafficked or sexually exploited, underscoring the need to address demand to reduce exploitation, in line with SDG 8 and SDG 5.

Statistics

• More than 800 women were advertised on a single website on a recent Monday morning.
• Challenges remain in implementing legislation effectively, particularly in prosecuting sex buyers.

Regulation of Adult Services Websites

Current Regulatory Measures

Lucy Smith, founder of the sex worker safety scheme Ugly Mugs, explained that many sex workers now operate through adult services websites, which are subject to regulation under the Online Safety Act 2023. This legislation requires websites to detect, report, and remove potential trafficking content and proactively report cases to police, supporting SDG 16 by enhancing online safety and accountability.

Considerations for Further Regulation

• Websites are currently regulated by Ofcom.
• There is ongoing debate about the need for additional regulation.
• Smith emphasized that policies should be evidence-based and cautioned against legislation influenced by ideological positions rather than data-driven approaches.

Law Enforcement Efforts

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Actions

Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly from PSNI’s organized crime branch stated that sexual exploitation is often a hidden crime. Officers are working tirelessly to identify offenders, protect vulnerable individuals, disrupt organized crime, and safeguard communities, reflecting SDG 16’s focus on justice and strong institutions.

Community Engagement and Support

• PSNI encourages victims and the public to report concerns about sexual exploitation.
• Recognizes that some victims may be too frightened or unaware of their exploitation.
• Emphasizes that combating sexual exploitation requires a multi-sectoral approach beyond policing alone.

Conclusion

The Stormont inquiry represents a critical step towards addressing the exploitation of trafficked and vulnerable women on online platforms in Northern Ireland. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, SDG 8, and SDG 16, the inquiry aims to strengthen legislative frameworks, enhance regulatory oversight, and promote justice and protection for victims. Collaborative efforts among government bodies, law enforcement, civil society, and survivors will be essential to achieving these objectives and fostering a safer, more equitable society.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article addresses the exploitation of trafficked and vulnerable women, focusing on commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking, which are critical gender equality issues.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article touches on forced labor and exploitation linked to trafficking and criminal gangs profiting from vulnerable women, which relates to promoting decent work and combating forced labor.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The inquiry involves law enforcement, legislation, and regulatory frameworks to combat trafficking and exploitation, aiming to promote justice and reduce crime.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The focus on protecting vulnerable women from exploitation relates to reducing inequalities within society.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children and vulnerable groups.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including protection of vulnerable populations.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 5.2:
   • Number of reported cases of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of women and girls.
   • Legislative measures enacted to criminalize paying for sexual services and regulate online platforms.
2. Indicators related to SDG 8.7:
   • Number of criminal prosecutions and convictions related to forced labor and trafficking.
   • Extent of online platforms’ compliance with regulations to detect and report trafficking cases (e.g., under the Online Safety Act 2023).
3. Indicators related to SDG 16.2 and 16.3:
   • Number of inquiries and investigations conducted by law enforcement into trafficking and exploitation.
   • Number of victims identified and supported by frontline organizations and law enforcement.
   • Effectiveness of legislative and regulatory frameworks in reducing trafficking and exploitation.
4. Indicators related to SDG 10.3:
   • Measures of protection and support provided to vulnerable women and girls.
   • Reduction in the number of vulnerable women advertised or exploited on online platforms.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bbc.com