Julia
Aged 17, was given clothes and boots and a bag of condoms and told to do anything that clients wanted.
read moreGovernment Press Release on the launch of the Irish Government’s 3rd National Action Plan to prevent & combat Human Trafficking.
”Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD has today launched the Third National Action plan to Combat Human Trafficking.
The Plan aims to work towards ending human trafficking in the State as a key element of building stronger, safer communities.
A number of Government Departments, An Garda Síochána, TUSLA and the HSE will all have significant roles to play in the implementation of the Action Plan to combat this criminal activity and support victims.
Its actions include:
Provide exit pathways for individuals impacted by prostitution who may be vulnerable to trafficking for sexual exploitation
Continue to raise awareness through materials available in languages of recognised victims of human trafficking, and making information available in healthcare and other settings
The HSE Anti Human Trafficking Team will develop an online presence for reaching vulnerable and ‘hard to reach’ victims with a view to increasing access to medical and social care services.
Ensure that all professionals in contact with children, and working on child related matters, are qualified in dealing with and recognising victims of trafficking and act in the child’s best interest
The ultimate goals of this Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy are to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims, to raise awareness and provide training for those who need it and to prevent, detect and prosecute the culprits of this abhorrent crime.
Minister McEntee said
“Human trafficking is an exploitative and particularly heinous crime that preys on some of the most vulnerable, and is committed with no regard for life, dignity or for the most basic of human rights.
“Victims of trafficking can be found anywhere and are often hidden in plain sight, and their vulnerability can make them particularly hard to reach. Across Government, we acknowledge the seriousness of this crime and are determined to combat it.
“The publication of this Action Plan contains a number of important actions that will help us realise this, including the development of a training framework for all who come into contact with potential victims of human trafficking and the strengthening of mechanisms currently in place to identify and support these victims.”
The key objectives that the Plan will aim to achieve include:
Ensure whole-of-Government co-ordination in supporting victims and decreasing incidents of trafficking.
The Minister added;
“Last month Ruhama published their annual report which noted a 35% increase of victims of human trafficking seeking their help, indicating that this is becoming more prevalent. That is why this Government and our partners have made disrupting these criminal organisations and supporting those who have been identified as a victim a priority.
“The Third National Action Plan provides a clear and comprehensive strategy that involves multiple stakeholders, including Government Departments and agencies. Cooperation between these bodies will be vital to this Strategy’s success and in ensuring that victims are identified quickly.”
In 2022, a total of 42 victims were formally identified by An Garda Síochána. Most victims are trafficked in to the State for sexual exploitation. Trafficking for labour exploitation also makes up a significant number of victims.
A report by the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Project on the Island of Ireland published by Mary Immaculate College in Limerick in 2021 suggests that the true incidence of human trafficking in the State may be 38% higher than the official figure.
The Report was supported by the Departments of Justice in this State and Northern Ireland, as well as An Garda Síochána and the PSNI.
An Garda Síochána report that 1,000 to 1,600 women are engaged in prostitution in any one year in Ireland and that prostitution and human trafficking are inextricably linked.
In September 2021 the first convictions in Ireland for human trafficking were handed down by the Courts, and there are a number of other human trafficking investigations ongoing by An Garda Síochána.
The actions in this plan fall under four Preventative Pillars:
Already, work is underway and specific elements of this issue are being examined as part of the Government’s Zero Tolerance Strategy to combat DSGBV. A number of significant measures to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims and to raise awareness and provide training, have been introduced.
In addition to the new National Action Plan, other ongoing initiatives which will help combat human trafficking include the improvements being made to the Criminal Justice System to support victims through the implementation of Supporting a Victim’s Journey.
ENDS
Third National Action Plan to combat and prevent Human Trafficking