The Salvation Army in Canada supports motion in Parliament condemning human trafficking
Ottawa, Canada, 8 December, 2006 – The Salvation Army is pleased to support the initiative by Joy Smith MP (St.Paul-Kildonan) to make motion 153 urging the Canadian Government to condemn the trafficking of women and children for the purposes of sexual exploitation and to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat the trafficking of persons worldwide. The Salvation Army operates in 111 countries and has human trafficking as one of its major concerns for this period in history.
Human Trafficking not only takes place across international borders, but also within Canada between provinces, cities, and neighbourhoods. The Salvation Army is finding from its work with vulnerable women and children an increasing need to find safe ways out for commercially sexually exploited people. It is a major challenge to find accommodation and programming to help commercially sexually exploited people and that is why we support motion 153 and commend the attempt to develop comprehensive strategies to combat the trafficking of persons.
Canada is a leader internationally and should continue to demonstrate values which promote the intrinsic worth of each human being. The Salvation Army believes that the sale and purchase of human beings for commercial sexual exploitation or any other reason is wrong and a detriment not only to those involved, but to society generally. We are committed to finding and assisting those who are exploited.
