Joint European effort to help end demand for sex trafficking launching today
A brand new project aimed at preventing human trafficking by discouraging the demand that drives the crime across Europe is kicking off today (31.01.2017) in Dublin. The Immigrant Council of Ireland is leading the ‘Disrupt Demand’ project, which aims to identify and document effective legal approaches to end sex trafficking, involving collaboration between law enforcement and non-governmental groups. The initiative is co-funded by the EU Internal Security Fund and is endorsed by An Garda Síochána, the Swedish police force, by renowned universities and survivors groups. The Immigrant Council will be working in partnership with organisations from five other EU member states; Sweden, Finland, Cyprus, Lithuania and France, over a two year period.
Brian Killoran, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said: “Human trafficking for sexual exploitation is the most widely spread type of trafficking crime and sadly, a very real problem within Europe and Ireland. The Immigrant Council of Ireland has supported numerous women who have been trafficked to Ireland, including some trafficked as children, for over the past decade and their experiences were truly harrowing. Today we are pleased to announce a new partnership with five other EU member states to promote improved laws to better protect victims of trafficking and help end demand.
“Timing for this kick-off event couldn’t be more appropriate with Ireland’s own Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill entering its final stages in the Dáil tomorrow. This law, which has long been championed by the Immigrant Council, provides greatly improved protections for victims of trafficking as well as measures to prevent human trafficking by discouraging demand for sexual services of trafficked people. We commend the Tánaiste for supporting its passage through the Oireachtas.”
Notes to editors
The Immigrant Council of Ireland is partnering with five partner organisations from five EU member states to deliver the ‘Disrupt Demand’ project.
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Mouvement du Nord, France
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Institute Feminism and Human Rights, Sweden
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Klaipeda Social and Psychological Services, Lithuania
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Mediterranean Institute for Gender Studies, Cyprus
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EXIT, Finland