Sex trafficking to Ireland on the rise and laws to curb demand needed more than ever
Urgent action is needed to protect victims against rising incidents of human trafficking, according to the Immigrant Council of Ireland following the publication of the annual Trafficking in Persons Report, by the U.S. State Department.
The report, published yesterday, 30th June, highlighted that the number of cases of human trafficking detected in Ireland has risen by 73% since 2014, while the crime continues to affect mainly women, who accounted for 66% of victims last year.
The report highlighted that the majority of victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation, with sex trafficking of children remaining a serious concern.
Commenting today, Brian Killoran, Chief Executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland said:
“What is needed to ensure the safety of those affected is strong anti-trafficking laws and close cooperation between the State agencies working in the area and civil society support organisations.
“While the report praises the Irish Government for introducing the Sexual Offences Bill to criminalise the purchase of commercial sex, the Immigrant Council again renews its call for the Government to advance the legislation as a matter of urgency. This most recent U.S. State Department report clearly shows that it is more important now than ever before, that we as a society end the demand and exploitation of victims of trafficking in the sex industry.”
The Immigrant Council welcomed the report’s recommendation for the immediate publication of a new National Action Plan, addressing as a matter of urgency:
- The need for increased legal services to victims.
- Review of the identification process with the involvement of frontline support service providers.
- Specialised emergency accommodation for victims of trafficking and the use of apartments and houses with outreach support for victims.
- Access to training and work for victims of trafficking in the asylum process.
The Immigrant Council said today that it is time now for the Government to take action to improve the current situation for victims of human trafficking.
Anti-Trafficking Manager of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Nusha Yonkova, added:
“We must offer hope to those who are vulnerable and we are committed to working closely with the Government to develop new policies and best practice following this report”.
Further information about the Immigrant Council is available at www.immigrantcouncil.ie.
ENDS