Direct provision placing victims of sex trafficking in unsafe centres

An important aspect of the current debate on direct provision which is being overlooked is the practice of placing suspected victims of sex trafficking in centres which are not safe or secure.

This practice is not only a failure of Ireland’s international obligations to protect victims but leaves women and girls within reach of the criminal gangs running a multi-million euro network of prostitution and trafficking in this country. It is unacceptable that women, who are traumatised after years of exploitation, are being left neglected by the State and are in immediate danger of further abuse, threats of violence to withhold evidence against their abusers and in some cases a return to a life of prostitution.

In addition the placing of victims of sexual abuse and rape in mixed sex accommodation is unacceptable.

Such are our failings in this area that Ireland has been criticised by the US State Department, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the United Nations Human Rights Committee.

Notwithstanding those international bodies, as a modern democracy which prides itself on equality and justice we owe it to these women and girls to provide them with every possible support as they attempt to re-start their lives.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland is this week forwarding a submission to the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, seeking immediate action and asking that this vulnerable group are treated as a priority in any reform of the direct provision system.

Denise Charlton

chief executive

Immigrant Council of Ireland

2 Andrew St

Dublin 2