Nature and Extent of Problem
What is the extent of human trafficking in Ireland?
The absence of a clear definition of human trafficking in Irish law prior to the enactment of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 acted as an impediment to documenting the scale and nature of human trafficking in Ireland. In the context of fulfilling Ireland's obligations in international instruments in relation to assessing the nature and extent of the problem the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit initiated a pilot data collection strategy. The methodology used for collecting this information has been modelled on a number of recent EU data collection initiatives which are currently being piloted.
Data is collected via a standardised data collection template from a number of different organisations such as the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and INIS, in addition to NGOs such as the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland, Immigrant Council of Ireland and Ruhama.
A Data Strategy Report for 2009 which issued in early 2010 is available
here.
What are the most common types of trafficking found in Ireland?
Based on data collected by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit for 2009 and 2010 from An Garda Síochána and several NGOs, the majority of potential and suspected victims were allegedly trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation with a lesser number involving labour exploitation. These persons were mostly female and mostly adults. A small number of males have also been encountered, all of whom were allegedly trafficked for the purposes of labour exploitation. Children account for a significant minority of those encountered. The majority of persons originate from West Africa with a significant minority originating from Asia and other EU Member States. Victims arrive in Ireland by a variety of routes transiting several different countries along the way while using a number of means of transportation. While violence and intimidation are regular means of control used by traffickers, victims are rarely forcibly kidnapped. Instead such person are often 'recruited' by persons they are acquainted with who ensnare victims with false promises of a better life.
What countries are people trafficked into Ireland from?
In 2009 there was a total of 66 cases of potential and suspected victims of trafficking
who came from a number of different regions.
| Africa | 46 |
| Asia | 12 |
| EU | 6 |
| European country outside EU | 1 |
| Caucasus | 1 |
Information taken from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Summary
Report of Trafficking in Human Beings in Ireland for 2009.
What is the average age of these trafficked people?
In 2009 there was a total of 66 cases of potential and suspected victims of trafficking of those 49 (74.2%) were adults while 17 (25.8%) were minors.
Information taken from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Summary
Report of Trafficking in Human Beings in Ireland for 2009.
How many people are trafficked around the world each year?
In 2008 the International Labour Organization estimated that 2.4 million people are trafficked globally each year, of these approximately 43% are trafficked for sexual exploitation, 32% for labour exploitation and the remainder for a combination of both. It has been estimated by the United States, State Department that 80% of people trafficked for labour or sexual exploitation are women and girls.
Are only young women trafficked?
No.
[Women of different ages and] Men can be victims of human trafficking for labour and for sexual exploitation.
Are only abandoned children at risk of being trafficked?
While children who are abandoned may be more susceptible to being trafficked, all children can be at risk of being trafficked.
Do only prostitutes end up in trafficking rings?
No.
Persons from all social backgrounds, regardless of class, race, sex or belief may be exploited by traffickers, not only for sexual exploitation but also for labour exploitation.
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