Mayo Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

More action to combat human trafficking needed

Published: 13 February, 2010

MORE ACTION TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING NEEDED

Human rights activist and Sinn Féin Councillor, Thérèse Ruane, welcomes the passing of an European Parliament resolution last week, calling for stronger action across the EU on human trafficking. Ruane insists that we must remain committed to ending, in particular, the exploitation of women and girls in the sex industry.

Thérèse Ruane said:

"The majority of trafficking is going on underground and undetected. More than 200 years ago, slavery was abolished in Europe, yet thousands of people are being sold today as modern day slaves. Trafficking includes sexual and labour exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, and is now considered to be one of the most serious crimes worldwide. More than 80% of the victims are women."

"We must gather as much information as possible with a particular focus on prevention and drawing attention to the traps that lead to trafficking. In the current economic and financial crisis, people are led to believe they will be offered a better standard of life, only to be coerced into prostitution or forced labour. Although women and children are the more vulnerable victims, all potential categories of victims must be identified and offered assistance on an unconditional basis."

"Women and girls who are exploited in this way are the victims of an appalling crime. The recent court case in Cardiff Crown Court which led to the conviction of Thomas Carroll and Shameila Clark, highlighted the appalling abuse of women (and girls as young as 15) trafficked into Ireland and forced to work in brothels.

"I believe that there is a real will in the community and amongst politicians to respond appropriately to the needs of victims of exploitation. However, more progress is needed in areas such as the provision of necessary services to victims of trafficking such as counselling, access to independent legal advice and the provision of safe, secure and suitable accommodation."

"If we're really serious about ending the exploitation of women and girls in the Irish sex industry, we must change the focus. We must tackle the demand for paid sex. I believe that we need to adopt the Swedish model, which criminalises the purchase of sexual services. Sweden, as a result, has fewer problems with trafficking than the rest of the EU."

"Human trafficking is an apalling crime. This issue must receive the attention and focus it requires. People throughout Ireland need to be aware of what is happening and be prepared to stand up and act to end this appalling human rights abuse."