"This conference was set up to explain the many dimensions of human trafficking to the academics from source countries as they will inevitably be the ones called on to help resolve the problem over time.

"These academics including experts in crime, law and protection came together to look at the current situation, particularly with regards to crimes involving children."

"There is still very little operational police investigated data on the problem here in the UK. There has been progress with academic studies which suggests that not more than a thousand children arrive each year. The problem with this estimate is that the data on which this is based is derived from those children who are in contact with the authorities for one reason or another. Until the results of a major police investigation come to light, it is difficult to get an insight into the numbers and circumstances of the 'hidden from sight children.'

"As always, this is an immensely challenging and sensitive subject to tackle but we think we made real progress in this area by bringing together top industry experts and academics to make recommendations for further improvements to the protection system as it stands today."