Anyone: Deceived

Human trafficking is a truly global problem affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. Maria’s and Gheorghe’s stories show how anyone can become a victim

Tom Vaughan-Lawlor raises awareness on the issue of human trafficking

Tom Vaughan-Lawlor describes human trafficking and what we can do if we suspect it.

Joseph, trafficked from North Africa, gave us his best almost 24 hours a day. You can help us break the chain.

Human Trafficking is happening in Ireland, today.

In Ireland from 2015 to 2021, some 370 persons were identified as victims of trafficking in Ireland, 207 for purposes of sexual exploitation and 163 for labour exploitation.

In 2022, according to the ILO’s recent report entitled Global Estimates Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage 50 million people are living in situations of modern slavery, of which 28 million are victims of forced labour.

These figures are backed up by UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2020 (published February 2021) which show that in 2018 human trafficking victims were detected and reported by 148 countries. However, given the hidden nature of this crime, the actual number of victims trafficked is far higher.

#Knowthesigns and help us break the chain

Natalia, trafficked from Eastern Europe with the promise of work. Now, she is a dream to be with.

Human Trafficking vs Smuggling

While Human Trafficking and People Smuggling are linked, there are fundamental differences between the two. The relevant distinction is that being trafficked is involuntary, whereas people smuggling involves the consent of the individual being smuggled.

Human Trafficking is the acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them.

People Smuggling involves the procurement for financial or other material benefit of illegal entry of a person into a State of which that person is not a national or resident.

 

“I worked for two months without pay, just to get my passport back.”

— Victim Testimony

#KnowTheSigns

Key red flags that could alert you to a potential trafficking situation that should be reported

  • -Be of any age

  • -Have very few items of clothing

  • -Be unable to show an identity document

  • -Have no cash of their own

  • -Live or travel in a group, sometimes with others who do not speak the same language

  • -Work long hours or have few, if any, days off

  • -Have tattoos or other marks indicating “ownership” by their exploiters

  • -Inability to speak alone or someone always speaking on behalf or translating for the individual

  • -Submissive or fearful. Often victims present signs of physical abuse

  • -Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed

  • -Sleep where they work or with their employees

  • -Repeat visits to the hospital for STIs and/or treatment for multiple incidents of physical abuse or workplace accidents/injuries

Questions to Ask:

Assuming you have the opportunity to speak with a potential victim privately and without jeopardizing the victim’s safety because the trafficker is watching, here are some sample questions to ask to follow up on the red flags you became alert to:

  • Can you leave your job if you want to?

  • Can you come and go as you please?

  • Have you been hurt or threatened if you tried to leave?

  • Has your family been threatened?

  • Do you live with your employer?

  • Where do you sleep and eat?

  • Are you in debt to your employer?

  • Do you have your passport/identification? Who has it?

Report a concern:

If you are a victim of trafficking, or have a suspicion that some else is, you should contact An Garda Síochána (the Irish Police), who can help or provide advice.

You can report concerns by;

Calling the Garda Confidential Telephone Number:

1800 666 111

Or through e-mailing blueblindfold@garda.ie

For more information please visit blueblindfold.gov.ie

In an emergency call An Garda Síochána on 999/112

All contact is dealt with in the strictest of confidence. While there is no requirement to provide your name or address, we would ask that you provide as much information as you can to enable An Garda Síochána to investigate thoroughly.

In addition to contacting the Gardaí, you can also get assistance from a list of organizations working with victims of human trafficking and other support services

Our Partners

Blue Blindfold

The Blue Blindfold website is the one stop shop Human Trafficking information and resource site maintained by the Department of Justice and Equality. Here you will find the full list of Support Services for Victims of Human Trafficking including contact details for State, Community and International Organisations who are available to help. To learn more visit blueblindfold.gov.ie

Department of Justice.

Ireland is taking significant steps to combat Human Trafficking and respond to the needs to victims, at home and abroad. The Department oversees The National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking which takes a victim-centred approach and human rights based approach.

IOM - International Organization for Migration, The UN Migration Agency

IOM is the leafing inter-governmental organization in the field of migration. IOM opened an office in Ireland in 2001 and has been providing assistance to victims of trafficking, asylum seekers, undocumented migrants and refugees through a range of programming. To learn more please visit: ireland.iom.int