Statement concerning the National Action Plan to prevent and combat human trafficking 2023 – 2027.
Statement concerning the National Action Plan to prevent and combat human trafficking 2023 – 2027.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland welcomes the publication of the National Action Plan to prevent and combat human trafficking (2023 – 2027). This plan, which expert organisations such as the Immigrant Council of Ireland have advocated for over many years and to which we made submissions during its drafting stage, will help to define and guide the actions of the Irish state and partners across sectors in addressing this heinous crime and human rights abuse. Among many strong commitments, we welcome:
-
Commitment to a training framework to ensure that all who may come in contact with a victim of trafficking are aware of the signs
-
Commitment for further investigation and prosecution of traffickers
-
Commitment to a whole of government response and cross departmental coordination
-
Commitment to further reducing the demand for trafficked victims
-
Commitment to review avenues for the compensation of victims of trafficking with recommendations to be made for reform
-
Commitment to survivor informed responses in Ireland
-
Commitment to improving the Irish response to child victims of trafficking
-
Commitment to reform the accommodation approach for victims of trafficking and the development of specific shelters and other related accommodation settings
-
Commitment to supporting the access to legal advice for victims of trafficking
-
Commitment to the development of exit pathways for those engaged in prostitution
-
Commitment to identify and review barriers to third level education for victims of trafficking
These ambitious commitments reflect much of the input of civil society organisations, research bodies and other stakeholders and are to be welcomed as making a strong statement of intent to further improve Irish responses. Implementation of this plan, with continued development of multi-annual funding models for frontline and support services, and coupled with the current revision of the National Referral Mechanism, will greatly enhance the Irish response in this area if successfully carried forward.
Commenting on the plan, Immigrant Council CEO Brian Killoran stated ‘Of particular concern for the Immigrant Council are measures which support the integration outcomes of survivors, such as access to housing supports , including HAP for any person holding residence permission as an identified victim of human trafficking and access to further education and SUSI grants. Such measures would allow for a survivor to begin the process of recovery and self-sufficiency, avoiding continued institutionalisation, following an often harrowing and traumatic ordeal.
We commend Minister McEntee and her Department on the publication of this plan, and call on the Irish government as a whole to ensure its effective implementation’
Read the plan here.