Human trafficking

forced labour is a modern form of slavery. Its victims are exploited for profit in a trade that often involves cross-border trafficking. Ireland is slowly coming to terms with this new form of human bondage where men and women are sold into slavery and forced to work in factories and on farms, or in prostitution.

In the last six years, according to research conducted at Trinity College Dublin, some 50 foreign nationals have been trafficked into Ireland as forced labourers. The victims, who came mainly from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt and the Philippines, were engaged in catering, manufacturing and domestic work here.

Until recently Ireland had a very poor record by international standards in tackling this human trafficking problem, particularly in prosecuting the organised gangs involved. The US State Department in its annual human trafficking report for 2008 found Ireland's performance in prosecuting offenders, protecting victims and preventing abuses was inadequate. Ireland had failed to meet the minimum standards necessary to tackle this social evil, never securing a successful prosecution for trafficking.

But the position has changed since June and the outlook appears to have improved. The Oireachtas passed legislation to outlaw the trafficking of adults and children for labour or sexual exploitation. In addition, victims of trafficking are allowed a 45-day recovery and reflection period. This allows the trafficked person time to access support services, to consider their options and to decide whether to participate in criminal investigations. It remains unclear, however, whether 45 days is long enough.

IrishTimes

More story at-http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2008/1020/1224279465152.html

© 2008 The Irish Times

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