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MSP praise for human trafficking awareness event


By Staff Reporter

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AN EVENT to raise awareness surrounding the "hidden crime" of human trafficking in Scotland has taken place in Elgin.

Representatives of the Texas branch of the organisation UnBound hosted the presentation after being invited by members of Elgin River Church.

The aim was to raise awareness among local people and to encourage them to stand against human trafficking within the local community.

Members of the Unbound team with Moray MSP Richard Lochhead and River Church pastors from Elgin and Banff.
Members of the Unbound team with Moray MSP Richard Lochhead and River Church pastors from Elgin and Banff.

UnBound representatives as well as local experts revealed the dark reality that human trafficking happens everywhere, even in the most unexpected of places.

Bleak stories of real victims were shared, stories of false promises, broken dreams and the most inhumane abuses.

However, UnBound's message centred on the hope for change that comes with recognition, rescue, and restoration of victims and survivors.

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, who attended the presentation, said: "It was great to meet with the Elgin River Church and to hear the powerful presentation on human trafficking from Unbound, which was especially interesting given its Scottish and local focus.

"Human trafficking is a hidden crime which many people often think only happens in larger cities, but there are victims of human trafficking on our doorsteps and we must all be vigilant.

"This is an incredibly serious crime that can deeply damage the lives of its victims, and the members of River Church Elgin deserve a lot of credit for its efforts to raise awareness of human trafficking."

In Houston, the organisation partners with their local community to combat human trafficking in three ways: prevention and awareness, professional training, and survivor advocacy.

A representative said: "Victims come from other nations, attracted by false promises of jobs, opportunities, or love.

"Upon arrival, their situation drastically changes, and they suddenly find themselves under the control of the person or people they once trusted."

Speakers warned of human trafficking hidden throughout our local communities.

They said trafficking is not a crime that only involves refugees or migrants, but often targets children and teenagers who have a history of abuse, abandonment, and family disjointedness.


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