Two victims of human trafficking for prostitution have been rescued by police in Northern Ireland.
Two women have been charged with prostitution offences after a police operation in the greater Belfast area.
The women were discovered in the greater Belfast area in the last 24 hours, a police spokesperson said.
Two alleged victims of human trafficking for prostitution were rescued by police during the operation.
They were taken to safety and are currently receiving help and support. Two women have been arrested and £25,000 was seized.
A 57-year-old woman has been charged with controlling prostitution and is to appear in court on Saturday.
It is understood a number of addresses in the south of the city were raided by police.
A 46-year-old female has been charged with controlling prostitution and money laundering and is to appear in court on 23 December.
Alliance Assembly member Ann Lo said there should be a "dedicated shelter" to help victims of trafficking.
A number of addresses in the south of the city were raided by police.
"I would call on the police now to provide the necessary support and protection for these two very vulnerable women," she added.
It is understood £25,000 was seized.
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty said it was "about time Northern Ireland caught up" with other parts of the UK that offer specialist protection to victims of trafficking.
"Part of the problem is the women at the heart of this are fearful about coming forward.
"They fear either reprisals from traffickers here or deportation into the arms of the criminals who sent them here.
"That's why we are calling on the Executive to provide specialist refuge protection like the Scottish Executive and the Wales Assembly."
