Human trafficking ‘a potential problem’

HUMAN trafficking could become a major problem if direct action is not taken and stringent combative legislation introduced, the Justice Minister said yesterday.

Speaking during a debate on the Criminal Law Bill — which would make it an offence to traffic children or adults for the purposes of labour exploitation, sexual exploitation and organ theft — Brian Lenihan said a “holistic approach” to tackling trafficking is required.

Although research suggests at least 76 women were trafficked into Ireland over the last seven years, Mr Lenihan said trafficking into Ireland is not yet a significant problem. “However, it is a potential problem and could grow without remedial action,” he said.

The debate coincided with the arrest of a man in Dublin in connection with a Dutch investigation into a child trafficking ring which allegedly used voodoo to force Nigerian children into prostitution in Europe.

Dutch police announced last night that 19 arrests of suspected traffickers were made in Holland, Spain, Belgium, Britain, the United States and Ireland.

The suspect arrested in Ireland, on a European arrest warrant, is Peter Sarfo, and he is due back before the High Court next week.

It is understood there is no evidence of any children being trafficked into Ireland.

Reports suggest about 800,000 people are trafficked worldwide each year, with some 2.5 million people recruiting, entrapping, transporting and exploiting.

While welcoming the bill, Sinn Féin TD Aengus O’Snodaigh said he was concerned the legislation would leave certain gaps if only covering labour exploitation, sexual exploitation and organ theft.

“A child may be trafficked for exploitation in a manner other than the three mentioned. For example, they may be trafficked for adoption, for welfare benefits or even for ritualistic sacrifice.”

He said he hoped there could be an amendment to the bill expanding the trafficking offences to cover exploitation for financial gain, ritualistic killings and abuse and adoption.

Fine Gael’s European Affairs spokeswoman, Lucinda Creighton, said the Government had omitted to provide protection for the victims of trafficking, mostly young vulnerable girls who are subjected to brutal abuse and sexual exploitation.

This protection is required under the UN Protocol on Trafficking, as well as the EU Council Directive on the residency of victims of trafficking, she said.

“Human trafficking is currently an international criminal industry with more than 100,000 people being trafficked across EU borders annually.”

While welcoming the fact that the legislation will create severe penalties for those involved in human trafficking, she said it must recognise that victims of trafficking are not illegal immigrants.

“Rather they are victims of severe cruelty who need the protection of the State,” she said.