The prevalence of human trafficking, a vile form of modern slavery involving the trade and exploitation of vulnerable people, is naturally difficult to establish given the nature of the crime. But we know that, where states adopt strong measures aimed at detecting trafficking, bringing perpetrators to justice and caring for victims, real strides can be made in exposing the criminal networks behind it and helping their victims to rebuild their lives.
From a position where it did not formally recognise the crime of trafficking and had no specific infrastructure to assist victims, the State has made some progress. But there is a lot more to do, as highlighted in the annual Trafficking in Persons report, a global survey of national responses published this week by the United States State Department. It ranks Ireland in “tier 2″, an upgrade on its “tier 2 watch list” ranking last year. The latest designation, according to the report, means the Government “does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so”.
The report pointed to persistent “systemic deficiencies” in victim identification, referral and assistance. Services for victims are inadequate, it suggests, and the State does not routinely screen for trafficking in vulnerable groups such as sea fishers, before referring them for deportation. Judges received no training on trafficking, and there were no legal safeguards to protect victims from prosecution for unlawful acts traffickers compelled them to commit.
More encouragingly, in 2021, the first convictions for human trafficking were recorded and Government approved a new system to make it easier for trafficking victims to come forward, be identified and receive support. A new action plan on trafficking is being developed and more funding has been made available for victims and for prevention efforts. It is important that that momentum continue. The US State Department places 30 states in “tier 1″, meaning they meet minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. Ireland should be among them.