The first conviction in the history of the state, for Human Trafficking, happened last week. This demonstrated the challenging nature of the crime here in Ireland. Proving that Ireland is not immune to the crime has been an ongoing challenge for many organisations, groups and individuals over the past decades. Whilst we welcome the news, we continue to draw attention to the low level of identifications in the country each year and the lack of nationwide awareness on the subject.

The growing nature of this national (and international) crisis is demonstrated in numerous reports and research pieces undertaken here in Ireland and Internationally with a stark silence in particular around Child Trafficking. Whilst systems evolve and statutory agencies resolve to make changes, we are conscious that Children, and adults, who are victims of this crime remain Hidden in Plain Sight. Whilst Ireland sits precariously on a Tier 2 Watch list internationally, in relation to Human Trafficking, we all have a responsibility to remind ourselves that anyone can be a victim, anyone can be a Trafficker and anyone can play their part in addressing the issue of Human Trafficking in Ireland.

Human Trafficking is not an immigration issue, it remains a Human Rights issue. MECPATHS’ support has been engaged by The Department of Justice to deliver awareness raising workshops to The Aviation Industry in Ireland over the past number of months. This additional piece of work supports the established relationships with Hospitality, The Private Security Authority and the Third Level institutes who are now providing accredited MECPATHS’ modules to students across the country. Whilst the first conviction is heartening, there is still a lot to do to ensure prosecutions become more regular and victims become more visible.

To read more about the recent prosecutions, please visit here

MECPATHS online training for The Hospitality Industry will officially launch on July 30th to coincide with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. It is planned to roll out the further online trainings in early August to create an online learning space for those who wish to learn more and to know the signs of Trafficking.

Patricia O’Donovan rsm
Mecpaths