Victims of sex trafficking being failed in Ireland – new report
New figures from the annual Trafficking in Persons Report 2017, published today, reveal the number of detected victims of trafficking in Ireland has risen from 78 in 2015 to 95 in 2016. The Immigrant Council of Ireland is concerned to see yet again the majority of victims of trafficking are being trafficked for sexual exploitation, especially recognising these official figures are just the tip of the iceberg.
Brian Killoran, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said, “The annual Trafficking in Persons Report 2017 provides the most comprehensive global snapshot of the grotesque trade in people. It is clear Ireland remains both a destination and source country for women, men, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour, including forced criminal activity.
“What’s often not realised is that the majority of victims – seven in 10 – are EU nationals. Women from Eastern Europe are forced into marriage in Ireland are at risk for sex trafficking and forced labour. This year again a worryingly high number of Irish children, 19, count among the total detected figure of 95.
“While it is concerning Ireland has not obtained a trafficking conviction since 2013, there is some encouraging activity from the Government. This includes the publication last October of its Second National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking and its increasing partnership work with NGOs to tackle the issue.”
Nusha Yonkova, Anti-Trafficking Manager at the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said, “However it is worrying victim identification in Ireland has not been improved despite numerous signals from courts and practitioners that Ireland is failing victims. Victims of sex trafficking remain disadvantaged due to the woefully inadequate accommodation where they spend extended periods of time. They are also put at a disadvantage when it comes to viable avenues for victim compensation.
“The Immigrant Council of Ireland and its colleagues working in the area have long been concerned that asylum-seekers cannot be identified as victims of trafficking if they have an asylum proceeding pending. Not only does this mean we are under-identifying victims, it also means many survivors are not able to access the supports they are entitled to.
“On this note we welcome the Government’s plans to examine a new model for victim identification and issue a revised national referral mechanism in 2017 and would in addition urge it to consider establishing an independent national rapporteur.”
Note to editors
Read more: Trafficking in Persons Report 2017