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HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN IRELAND Definition: The trafficking of human beings is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people for the purpose of exploitation. This includes persons forced into prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs. For children exploitation may include also, illicit international adoption, trafficking for early marriage, recruitment as child soldiers, for begging, or for sports (such as child camel jockeys or football players). Trafficking involves a process of using illicit means such as threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability. Human trafficking is a form of slavery that is still happening all around the world. Sadly it is also happening in Ireland today; people are being trafficked into our country to provide slave labour or forced into prostitution. Others are being trafficked through Ireland to other destinations. Click here to read the story of one victim trafficked into Ireland and then continue.
 The 2008 US State Dept “Trafficking in Persons Report” says “Ireland is a destination country for women, men, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor… Women from Eastern Europe, Nigeria, other parts of Africa as well as smaller numbers from South America and Asia, have reportedly been trafficked to Ireland for forced prostitution. Labour trafficking victims reportedly consist of men and women from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Philippines, although there may also be some victims from South America, Eastern Europe, and other parts of Asia and Africa. An Irish NGO reported that most forced labour victims are found in domestic labour, and restaurant and agricultural work. Unaccompanied minors from various source countries, particularly in Africa, represent a vulnerable group in Ireland that may be susceptible to trafficking and exploitation. ” “The Government of Ireland does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. Irish officials have shown considerable political will in combating human trafficking through the drafting of new anti-trafficking legislation, but key deficiencies in the areas of prosecution, protection, and prevention remain.” The report goes on to recommend that Ireland should “Enact comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation; establish formal policies and procedures to ensure victims are provided with access to protection and assistance in coordination with anti-trafficking NGOs; and implement a visible trafficking demand-reduction campaign in Ireland."LEGAL AND POLICING DEVELOPMENTS: In June 2008 Ireland went some way in following the US State Department's recommendation when the new Criminal Law Trafficking in Persons Act 2008 came into effect. Human trafficking While the new Act of 2008 is recognised as a step in the right direction some organisations have expressed concern that it will make little real difference to victims of trafficking for forced labour. They say that unless a comprehensive support system to safeguard the trafficked person as the innocent party is put in place then they will be afraid to come forward and that as a result there will be no successful prosecutions. (For comments from the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland following the enactment of the law click here.) Another welcome initiative is the establishment by Government of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) which it is hoped will serve to ensure that the necessary policies and procedures, in accord with international best practice, are put in place and appropriate and adequate services made available to trafficked persons. The Unit which will operate within the Department of Justice will be exclusively dedicated to co-ordinating and facilitating the implementation of a new national strategy to address human trafficking. In addition to working closely with the Gardaí and the Irish National Immigration Service it will also engage constructively with the NGO community, who will have an important part to play, particularly in relation to follow-up service provision to victims of human trafficking.”
NEED TO PROTECT VICTIMS: While Ireland has gone some way to enacting suitable laws and policing it still lacks the policies and support structures for victims of trafficking. These need to be developed and they must be victim centered. Their primary role must the protection of victims so that they will have the confidence to break away from the traffickers who control them through fear and coercion. Victims need to know that if they do report to the authorities that they will be protected and not be re-victimised by being treated as criminals or as illegal aliens who will be deported. Good legislation, policies and a place of safety would greatly assist their recovery and also make breaking out a less daunting prospect. Building the structures that would allow this to happen is the most humane and caring way of meeting the Christian obligation we have to care for those who have become trapped and enslaved by trafficking.
RESPONDING TO TRAFFICKING
• Acknowledge that trafficking in Ireland is generated by demand within Ireland. These points need a commitment and action on many levels. Government must enact legislation, lead policy development and provide resources. Statutory bodies, NGO’s and Faith Groups must work to develop support networks and structures. They can also contribute by providing spiritual, human and financial resources. Individuals can become involved, firstly by informing themselves and through supporting the work of other groups through prayer, volunteering, campaigning and by providing financial support.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
Out of Africa into a murky unknown: 1 June 2008, Maeve Sheehan, Independent.ie Ireland a target for human traffickers: 7 June 2008, Stephen Rogers, Irish Examiner State urged to consider bill over trafficking: 22 November 2007, Irish Examiner Boy suspected of being trafficking victim remanded in custody again: 28 June 2008, Tom Tuite, Irish Times Study highlights sex trafficking in Ireland: 18 October 2007, RTE News Victims of labour trafficking still falling through the net: 6 June 2008, Press Release, Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland
OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION http://www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie/press06/trafficking.html Information on the Trafficking of Women and Children. http://gvnet.com/humantrafficking/Ireland.htm Human Trafficking, modern day slavery - the Republic of Ireland. http://www.irlgov.ie/crimecouncil/human_trafficking.html An account of measures being taken by the Irish government to tackle the crime of human trafficking. http://stopsextrafficking.ie/ Stop Sex Trafficking Campaign Website. http://www.cfj.ie/content/view/145/ Trafficking and the Irish Sex Industry - Article in Working Notes issue 55, Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, 2007.
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For I was a stranger
and you made me welcome.
Matt 25
is now officially recognised a crime. Up to now in Ireland neither the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking Act) 2000 nor the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 have ever resulted in a successful prosecution for the crime of trafficking, though individuals have been arrested and charged.
The points below list things that can be done to reduce and stop the suffering caused by trafficking and to deal with traffickers.