New laws are urgently needed to tackle the increasing problem of sex trafficking to the State, the Immigrant Council of Ireland has said.
The US State Department on Thursday released a report showing a 73 per cent increase in the number of detected cases of human trafficking in Ireland since 2014.
The report highlighted that the majority of victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation, with sex trafficking of children remaining a serious concern, the immigrant council said.
“What is needed to ensure the safety of those affected is strong anti-trafficking laws and close cooperation between the State agencies working in the area and civil society support organisations,” said the council’s chief executive Brian Killoran.
“While the report praises the Irish Government for introducing the Sexual Offences Bill to criminalise the purchase of commercial sex, the Immigrant Council again renews its call for the Government to advance the legislation as a matter of urgency.
“This most recent US State Department report clearly shows that it is more important now than ever before, that we as a society end the demand and exploitation of victims of trafficking in the sex industry.”
The council called on the Government to take action to improve the situation for victims of human trafficking.
“We must offer hope to those who are vulnerable and we are committed to working closely with the Government to develop new policies and best practice following this report,” said Immigrant Council of Ireland anti-trafficking manager Nusha Yonkova.
