Minister for Justice and Equality Helen McEntee TD and the International Organisation for Migration announce launch of an anti-human trafficking public awareness initiative
21 October 2020
- The #Anyone can be exploited campaign seeks to communicate the message that human trafficking is a crime, that it is happening everywhere, including in Ireland, and that we must all become familiar with the signs of trafficking;
- Any suspicions in relation to trafficking should be reported to An Garda Síochána, which has a specialist anti-human trafficking unit;
- A range of supports are available to victims, more information available on www.blueblindfold.gov.ie, which is the Department’s website for all activities relating to Counter Trafficking in Human Being, and www.anyonetrafficked.comwhich is the website specifically designed for the Campaign
- The initiative is being jointly launched by Minister McEntee and The International Organisation for Migration, the UN Migration Agency, in conjunction with community and voluntary sector organisations;
9 October 2020
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Minister for Justice and Equality Helen McEntee TD today announced the launch of a public awareness initiative on Human Trafficking. This initiative will include awareness raising measures on social media and in key transport hubs, to convey the messages that human trafficking is a crime and that anyone can be exploited and to empower the public to recognise the signs of human trafficking. It is being undertaken with the support of a number of other state agencies and non-state organisations.
Launching the initiative, Minister McEntee said,
“I am acutely conscious that the crime of human trafficking occurs in all countries in the world – and that Ireland is no exception. We need to be more alert to this. It is happening and it is not a phenomenon limited to our big cities. The terrible reality is that victims of human trafficking may potentially be hidden in plain sight, in any community in Ireland.”
Minister McEntee continued,
“An Garda Síochána and other state agencies, including in particular the health authorities, are already taking significant steps to address this terrible crime and respond to the needs of victims. But I am determined to ensure that together, we all play our part in fighting this scourge. We all need to understand that anyone can be exploited. We must also educate ourselves so we can recognise the signs of human trafficking and are equipped to take the appropriate steps if we encounter possible cases in our everyday lives.”
Speaking on behalf of the UN Migration Agency (IOM), Lalini Veerassamy, Chief of Mission, said,
“COVID-19 has brought a devastating impact upon the household security and health of billions of people all over the world, which heightens vulnerability and risk of exploitation. IOM has learned, as have our Member States, that it is imperative to partner with the private sector, trade unions, supply chain auditors, and recruitment agencies to put in place practices to reduce the risks of trafficking and exploitation.However, nothing can be more powerful than an engaged and informed public, one that can significantly support in addressing these human rights abuses. Anyone is at risk in the world we live in today, including Ireland.”
The overall objective of the initiative is to raise public awareness around the reality of human trafficking and to alert the public to its signs and indicators. Information will be made available on how to report suspicious activity, as well as tips on being a conscious and responsible consumer.
A new website is also being launched, in conjunction with this initiative, to highlight the availability of supports and services for victims from the state as well as community and voluntary organisations active in this sector. A public webinar hosted by IOM Ireland and the Department of Justice was held on 1 October to discuss and address the importance of effective national referral mechanisms for victims of trafficking which served as a good introduction for the Campaign.
The campaign will be visible on social media platforms from 9th October and will continue in the run-up to European Anti-human Trafficking Day on 18th October which is an important awareness raising day in the calendar and seeks to increase the exchange of information, knowledge and best practises among actors working in the field of Human Trafficking. The Campaign will also launch poster adverts at Dublin Airport, ports, and other transport hubs from 19th October which will continue for the rest of the month.
More information and materials are available on the campaign website www.anyonetrafficked.com
Further resources on anti-human trafficking are also available a website maintained by the Department of Justice and Equality - www.blueblindfold.gov.ie