A probe into the scale of human trafficking in Scotland got underway on Tuesday.
The inquiry, led by Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, will look at the sex trade and also report on whether the Scottish Government is meeting its international obligations to protect victims.
There have been 100 convictions for trafficking in England but none in Scotland - despite the belief that the country has a larger problem proportionately that the rest of the UK.
The probe by the Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland will now try to identify the true extent of human trafficking in Scotland, focussing on women brought to the country to work in the sex industry.
Baroness Kennedy said: "Human trafficking is recognised as a grave abuse of human rights, involving coercion and deception. It entails ongoing exploitation and its victims suffer untold misery.
"This inquiry is about making a reality of people's human rights and serving those whose rights have been violated.
"We will consider whether recommendations on prevention, prohibition, prosecution and protection are necessary - and ensure human rights are at the centre of Scotland's anti-trafficking policy and practice.
"It is impressive that Scotland is taking the lead on this issue by holding an inquiry."
However, the police say that human trafficking cases can be very difficult to prosecute because victims are often reluctant to give evidence.
Police said today that in some cases human trafficking cases were difficult to prosecute.
Detective Chief Superintendent Stevie Whitelock, who leads the Scottish Intelligence and Co-ordination Unit, told a Scots radio station: "Much of that is about denying being a victim because they are fearful of being sent back, they are fearful of reprisals by organised crime and they have a limited understanding of Scottish policing.
"We have to work with victims' groups to break down barriers."
Morag Alexander, Scotland Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "I am delighted that Baroness Kennedy will lead this crucial inquiry. Human trafficking is one of the most extreme abuses of human rights.
"There is a suspicion that Scotland has a disproportionate share of the human trafficking trade, and some have expressed concern that there have been no convictions for trafficking offences in Scotland compared to over 100 convictions in the rest of the UK."
"This inquiry will examine whether these concerns are well founded. It will also examine the level of services and the information available to victims," she added.
The inquiry will conclude next year and a report into its findings will then be published.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "I welcome this inquiry and any contribution it can make to support Scotland's fight against this horrendous, evil crime.
"The harm involved in trafficking for indoor prostitution is hidden but the Scottish Government are committed to tackling it and we look forward to working to assist the Commission with this important inquiry."
