State 'failing to protect' victims of child trafficking

The Trafficking in People Report for Ireland from the US State Department has recommended that Ireland improves its identification and protection of victims of trafficking. File Picture: iStock

The trafficking of children is being underreported and there are inadequate support resources for victims, according to an organisation working to raise awareness of the issue.

Mecpaths education manager Ann Mara was speaking as today marks the 10th World Day Against Trafficking. This year’s theme is 'Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking'.

Mecpaths is a non-profit organisation that focuses specifically on the issue of child trafficking in Ireland.

Ms Mara said: “Child trafficking involves the use of children for the purpose of exploitation in various ways. It is irrelevant whether a child appears to have 'consented' in some way to being exploited, especially when force, deception, coercion, or abuse of power, or vulnerability are being used.

"Identification and protection of child victims in Ireland remains challenging due to underreporting, lack of awareness and training, and inadequate resources for victim support services.

“Today is about helping draw attention to the fact that the State is currently failing to protect and safeguard these children. It is critical that people are aware that child trafficking is happening in Ireland, and be aware of how to report any suspicions.” 

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This afternoon, Mecpaths and Cork Against Human Trafficking are hosting the launch of an exhibition on Frederick Douglass’s visit to Cork. The slavery abolitionist who delivered a series of lectures across Ireland in 1840s was one of former US president Barack Obama’s heroes.

The event is taking place as the United Nations calls on “governments, civil society, and the private sector — including tech companies — across the world to intensify their efforts and collaboration so that no child is victimised and no trafficker goes unpunished”.

UN secretary-general António Guterres said: “Children account for one third of trafficking victims, suffering unspeakable abuse — whether they are forced into labour, sold off as brides, recruited as soldiers, or coerced into criminal activities. 

Rising inequalities and globalisation have fuelled complex trafficking networks that challenge traditional legal frameworks, creating new forms of slavery.” 

Last month, the Trafficking in People Report for Ireland from the US State Department recommended that Ireland improves its identification and protection of victims of trafficking, “especially Irish citizens, victims of labour trafficking and forced criminality, and vulnerable populations like children, sea fishers, and asylum seekers”.

A spokesman for the Department of Justice said: “For the past few years, the Department of Justice has partnered with IOM in Dublin to raise awareness among society more generally that victims of trafficking can be found anywhere and can be hidden in plain sight. 

“All officials working in ports and airports receive training to ensure they are alert to the signs of trafficking and are equipped to react appropriately when they are concerned about any individual. 

"This includes ensuring all staff are aware of what to do when they have a concern about a child who has arrived in Ireland."