Today, July 30th, 2022 is The United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. In 2013, the UN General Assembly declared that such a day was necessary to “raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.” Every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit, or destination for victims. Anyone can be a victim of this heinous act regardless of age or background. It is estimated that the human trafficking industry generates approximately €150 billion per annum worldwide and that 40.3 million people remain trapped as victims. According to this year’s United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Report on Human Trafficking, the most common form of trafficking is sexual exploitation of women and children. Worldwide, almost 33% of all trafficking victims are children.
Last year I had the privilege to meet Anna (not her real name) who had been trafficked from Africa to Ireland. With Anna’s permission, I now share with you some of her story.
“I was trafficked to Ireland when I was age 14, I was able to escape from my trafficker through the help of a relative who I made contact with when I arrived in Ireland and I was able to go back to education. I had the support from my teachers in secondary school, my psychologist and social workers who were assigned to work with me.
While I was living with my relative things were difficult, I had to do a lot of servitude. The HSE Mental [Health] Service got involved and Tusla had to take me into the care of the State. I was placed in a residential home and later moved into supported lodging.
In the midst of all the challenges, I completed my Leaving Cert Applied program with distinction. Upon turning 18, I moved out of supported lodging and am now living independently. Things have been going well for me. I finished a Level 5 course in Social Studies with distinction.
My hope for the future is to continue my education and build a career that will allow me give back to the Irish community because Ireland helped me regain strength and restored my hope to build a better life for myself.”
Anna is so grateful that she received such support from various sectors, both statutory and voluntary, including Mercy. As she shared in her story, her hope is to continue in education and to be a support to others in need.
On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let us hold in our thoughts and prayers the victims and survivors of child trafficking/human trafficking. May we take the time and interest to do what we can within our jurisdictions to encourage our governments to have a robust system which will allow victims to be identified, ensure they are released from exploitation and supported in dealing with their trauma.
If you wish to learn more about child trafficking, please visit www.mecpaths.com
Patricia O’Donovan
MECPATHS
