‘Human trafficking in towns and cities across Ireland too’

July 30 is the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

Síofra Grant

“Human trafficking is not something that only happens in distant countries. It can occur in towns and cities across Ireland.” That was the main message an event in the Tranquility Garden last Wednesday, hosted by Mullingar Soroptimists ahead of the United Nations World Day Against Human Trafficking.

In recognition of the importance of addressing human trafficking, Minister Robert Troy, Cllr Bill Collentine, An Cathaoirleach, Westmeath, Cllr Aoife Davitt, Detective Superintendent David Nolan, representatives from Women’s Community Projects Mullingar and Teach Fáilte joined the gathering, where information was exchanged and human trafficking discussed.

Speaking about the initiative, Marian Mortell, club president and Sarah McCormack, programme action officer said: “Human trafficking is not something that only happens in distant countries. It can occur in towns and cities across Ireland. The more people understand the warning signs, the greater the chance that someone in need will be identified and supported. Our goal is simply to encourage people to look, notice and know where to turn if they have concerns.”

Sarah added: “At a national level we are part of a two-year project which is called Hidden in Plain Sight. It is to bring awareness about human trafficking, and to stop human trafficking in our country most importantly, and our local towns and areas.”

Human trafficking is the insidious practice of recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, coercion, deception or abuse of vulnerability for the purpose of exploitation. Anyone can be a victim.

The UN World Day Against Human Trafficking is July 30, and to mark the day, five Mullingar Soroptimists will be in Leinster House for an event hosted by Senator Alison Comyn and Soroptimists Republic of Ireland.

“We’re going to be having a hearing there in the Dáil and marking the second year of our national project,” said Sarah. “So today we’re gathered in the Tranquility Garden and we’re on this seat that we put in this garden 10 years ago.

“We’re gathered here as part of the continued work we’re doing on our national project so that we can actually bring awareness. We are continually supported by many different organisations here in our town and in our county.

“We constantly get support from An Gardaí Síochána, who lead the whole campaign in relation to trying to end human trafficking, and of course the women’s organisations like Teach Fáilte.”

Sarah explained that events like the one on Wednesday are vital when fighting this crime. “So many people don’t understand human trafficking. People think human trafficking is just the exploitation of women for sexual favours – of course that’s a big part of it, but that’s not just what it is.

“Human trafficking is the fastest growing industry in the world at the moment.”

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Labour Organisation, human trafficking and forced labour generate annual profits of 150 billion US dollars (€130 billion).

The UN also reported that most victims (60%) are detected domestically.

“It affects both males and females,” explained Sarah. “People don’t realise that there is the exploitation of labour – out on the farmlands, you can have young boys and others that are cheap labour, but the farmer that’s employing them doesn’t actually know – he’s paying full price for the labour, but the person that’s doing is being exploited and they’re getting nothing for it.”

Human trafficking that concerns labour exploitation can be anywhere. “That goes in relation to cheap labour, in relation to nail bars, beauty salons and different places.

“So it is for all of us to have an awareness and ask if we think there’s something not right here.”

Sarah explains that if one suspects something, or has been told something that doesn’t seem right, they should contact gardaí.

She made sure to drive home that trafficking is everywhere, not just in cities or abroad. Many will remember the cases of two women based in Mullingar who were found guilty of human trafficking in 2021 after their prostitution ring was revealed.

“Through the work of our wonderful detectives that was the first case that actually got a conviction in relation to human trafficking in Ireland.”

Sarah provided some signs to look out for if you suspect someone you know may be a victim.

“In relation to people that are being trafficked, their freedom is being taken away from them. In relation to passports and identifications, everything is gone from them. They usually have little or no money and their personality will have changed a lot.

“They’re hidden and sometimes their face is down, they can’t make eye contact.

“These are all simple signs that you can keep an eye out for.”

Soroptimists are arranging that throughout the week of July 30, specially designed bookmarks and business cards will be available in some café and book shops. These cards contain information on recognising possible indicators of trafficking together with contact details for reporting concerns.

Possible indicators of human trafficking

A person may be at risk if several of the following signs are present:

1.Appears fearful, anxious or under the control of another person.

2.Is unable to speak freely or someone answers questions on their behalf.

3.Shows signs of physical abuse, neglect or poor living conditions.

4.Has little or no access to personal identification or travel documents.

5.Works excessively long hours for little or no pay.

6.Lives where they work or in overcrowded accommodation.

7.Has restricted freedom of movement or appears constantly monitored.

8.Avoids eye contact or appears withdrawn and fearful of authorities.

9.Has no control over their own money or personal possessions.

10.Appears to have been deceived about the nature of their work or living arrangements.

It is important to remember that one indicator alone does not necessarily mean someone is being trafficked, but a combination of signs may suggest exploitation.

Anyone who believes a person may be in immediate danger should contact 999 or 112 without delay.

If you have concerns about possible human trafficking or exploitation, you can also contact: An Garda Síochána: 1800 666 111 or blueblindfold@garda.ie.