SCOTLAND would have the world's most "innovative" and "comprehensive" legislation to combat human trafficking if proposals due to be unveiled today are backed by Holyrood, according to a leading international expert on the crime.
Dr Anne T Gallagher, a human rights lawyer and legal adviser to the United Nations, said a consultation being launched in Edinburgh by Labour MSP Jenny Marra was a major step in "ending impunity for traffickers and securing justice for victims".
She said: "Strong laws are an essential element of ending impunity for traffickers and securing justice for victims."
Ms Gallagher, who was special adviser to Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1998 to 2002, added: "If passed, it would be the most innovative and comprehensive piece of anti-trafficking legislation in the world."
Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, who led a landmark inquiry into human trafficking in Scotland, also supported Ms Marra's proposals, saying Scotland was in a position to have "exemplar modern slavery legislation that is a beacon to others".
Currently, human trafficking offences in Scotland fall under two separate laws the UK Asylum and Immigration Act, and the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act.
Ms Marra believes bringing the offence into a single law, would make it easier for police and prosecutors to bring criminals to justice.
Her proposals also include measures to support victims.
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