The Irish government announced legislation on October 11 that they will now make it make it an offense to bring an adult or child into the country for sexual or labor exploitation. The new Criminal Law Human Trafficking Bill 2007, has now made Ireland compliant with EU, Council of Europe and UN human trafficking tools and with various criminal law/law enforcement aspects.
Brian Lenihan, the Minister for Justice, said “While there is no evidence of a substantial human trafficking problem in Ireland, any level of this despicable crime is deplorable”(Human Trafficking Bill Announced). Amnesty International has welcomed the the step, “however, Amnesty Director of Advocacy Rosalind McKenna has also pointed out that the proposed legislation does not include victim protection measures” (Independent).
The passing of this legislation is a second major step for Ireland, as on October 3, 2007 A major anti-trafficking operation called Pentameter II was launched in the UK and Ireland. The joint country operation links Garda in Ireland and UK Police forces together with various NGOs and agencies to fight sex trafficking using a victim centered approach .
For someone who used to live in Ireland, and still calls it my second home, the move seems long over due. Although this is a great step in the right direction, it leaves many to questions the governments strong opinion that there is no substantial proof of human trafficking, or modern day slavery being a problem in Ireland. No country is unaffected by the human trade, and one does not see the extent of a problem until it is too late, and the world of human trafficking lives very much underground and out of sight for many, but it still exists!
Both the bill and joint task force, are both positive steps in the right direction for Ireland, however victims services and support must clearly be increased. Specialized services for children must be increased, and the governments efforts to ensure that children's rights are protected, and victims are treated as such and not criminals, must also be a priority. Overall this is a positive and substantial move for the Irish government, and the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking. One can only hope that these efforts will allow some light to be shown on the issue, and establish a deeper look into the realities and extent of the situation in Ireland.
