DEPARTMENTS OF justice in Dublin and Stormont have joined together to combat human trafficking in Ireland.
Minister for Justice and Law Reform Dermot Ahern and his Stormont opposite number David Ford jointly announced the Blue Blindfold campaign yesterday to raise awareness of the crime. The Ministers also want members of the public to report suspicious activity to the PSNI or Garda.
“The trafficking of human beings for sexual and/or labour exploitation or the removal of organs is a most serious offence that has no place across the island of Ireland,” said Mr Ahern.“We are very committed to taking a strong approach to jointly combating this crime and urge all members of the public to assist us.”
Mr Ford said: “It is difficult to accept that this form of modern-day slavery is happening in Northern Ireland. I hope this campaign helps to open our eyes to this heinous crime and that people realise it could be happening in their town, street or even in their workplace.”
The Blue Blindfold campaign follows meetings between the Ministers and between the police services. The public are encouraged to report anything suspicious to the police or by visiting blueblindfold.gov.ie or blueblindfold.co.uk.