Alliance MLA John Blair has said slavery is a global and local problem which must be eradicated completely, ahead of Anti-Slavery Day 2020.

Highlighting a recent UN report which outlined the extent of modern day slavery, Mr Blair said it was no longer acceptable to sit back and do nothing, whilst an estimated 29 million women and girls remain victims in this era.

He added: “So much work has been done to date to tackle this issue and I want to recognise the considerable research already undertaken by the Justice Minister in terms of human trafficking, for the important work of contracted providers for their support services and for the progress the Department has made towards eliminating slavery from the modern day, locally.

“I must also commend work of the PSNI Modern slavery and Human Trafficking Unit which, with other agencies across this island and beyond, has continued to work with an increasing number of referrals and so helped more of those who are exploited and suffering.

“This work, sometimes publicised though often not, is taking place across our constituencies and will be aided by awareness raising, such as today’s motion. And it’s on that vein that we must all come together, to do our bit to eradicate this terrible scourge from our society.

“We all have a role to play to help the most vulnerable and should report suspicious activity where we see it to Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”