Refugee council warns downturn could lead to increase in child sex trafficking

THE Irish Refugee Council (IRC)has warned that the recession could lead to an increase in the number of children being trafficked to Ireland for the sex trade.

Head of the IRC Robin Hannon said the collapse of the world’s poorer economies means children are more vulnerable. He also said the economic downturn is affecting services here for trafficking victims.

The Department of Justice said the HSE and gardaí have stepped up efforts to crackdown on trafficking and protect separated children in care.

According to a department spokesperson, despite claims that the Government is not actively working to tackle the problem, a “huge” amount of work had been done in the area. She said a new protocol signed in recent months provided clearly defined arrangements for roles and responsibilities relating to children in care who go missing.

As well as this, training in recognising the indicators of trafficking is now part of the final phase of training for all recruit gardaí. The initiatives are part of the Government’s national action plan to prevent trafficking. The IRC said it welcomed the Government’s plan, but added it was imperative that it be put into practice fully.

“We are very happy with the Government’s plan, but it is urgent that it is implemented,” said Mr Hannon.

“This plan lays out many issues, but most have not yet been put in place. Separated children are still in hostels which are not providing adequate care. This is continuing to put children at risk.”

Mr Hannon said the protection of victims was another major area of concern.

“This is still very much under-developed. Victims should be protected in their own right and it should not depend on the degree of cooperation with gardaí.”

Mr Hannon said it was still too early to tell what kind of impact Garda training was having.

Meanwhile, the head of the Immigrant Council of Ireland Denise Charlton said it was truly scandalous that more than 450 migrant children who were in the Government’s care had gone missing since 2000.

“We don’t know how many of these children have been trafficked into this country, but we do know that nationally and internationally there is real concern that many unaccompanied migrant children who go missing from state care are victims of trafficking and we do know these children are missing,” she said.

“Often, it is stated that many of these children are believed to be 16 or 17, as though that somehow absolves the State from properly protecting them. It doesn’t. The Government has so far failed to protect these vulnerable children and must very significantly improve the standard of care and protection it provides.”