Northern Ireland’s law, which criminalises the purchase of sexual services, has only resulted in one conviction since its implementation in 2015, according to new figures. Introduced to combat human trafficking in the region, the legislation is facing calls for a review, including how it is enforced. Between 2018 and 2023, the data shows 75 arrests, resulting in one conviction, with 21 charges, 24 cautions and four discretionary disposals. The legislation was originally proposed by Lord Morrow of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), who has called for its review.
Most of the women allegedly involved in human trafficking were victims of sexual exploitation, with some forced into domestic servitude. Appeals for action have come from social policy charity CARE, who have proposed the legislation has worked more effectively in other countries, including Sweden, where higher conviction rates have been recorded. Dr Rebecca Stevenson has expressed her confusion over the low rate of convictions in Northern Ireland, saying, “the law has worked in other countries, we’re confused as to why it hasn’t worked in Northern Ireland, and there doesn’t appear to be a material reason for that.”
Lord Morrow told BBC News NI that “legislation will only work if it’s enforced,” adding that he is planning to ask the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) if they agree that inadequacies in enforcing the bill have led to the low conviction rate. Det Insp Rachel Miskelly, speaking on behalf of the PSNI, asserted the force’s commitment to safeguarding innocent victims who are being exploited and appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
The low conviction rate demonstrates the gap between the implementation and enforcement of Northern Ireland’s law against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Despite its provisions, the state’s legislation has failed to yield significant results so far
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