New report explores relationship of sham marriages to human trafficking

The Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) has published its new report on exploitative sham marriages in Europe.

Exploitative Sham Marriages and Human Trafficking in Ireland, available from the ICI’s website, is the first-ever research report on what the ICI says is an emerging form of human exploitation in Europe.

Brian Killoran, ICI chief executive, said: “At present, those exploited in sham marriage situations are not defined as victims of human trafficking.

“However, this research project came about because service-providers and consular services were noticing increased instances of vulnerable women being exploited, abused and trapped with deception in marriages involving EU and non-EU nationals. In many such incidents, there were strong indicators of trafficking.

“These include a highly organised system of targeting, recruiting and exploiting vulnerable young women. There is also evidence of deception and control; movement across borders; appalling experiences of physical and psychological abuse; and incidents of rape, sexual abuse and enforced domestic servitude.”

Tara Storey, who belongs to the Department of Justice’s anti-human trafficking unit, spoke at today’s launch in Dublin.

Ms Storey said: “This report marks an important first step in collaboration between government, policymakers and NGOs across Europe to identify and respond to the emerging issue of exploitative sham marriages.

“The National Action Plan on Human Trafficking will be launched next week. Research findings such as those launched today play an important role in informing both national and international policy.”