Rise in number of human trafficking victims for third consecutive year

The number of human trafficking victims identified by the State rose for a third consecutive year in 2016, with the largest proportion being victims of sexual exploitation, according to a new report.

The Trafficking in Human Beings in Ireland annual report for 2016, produced by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, was launched by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan yesterday.

It states that the number of victims detected rose to 95 in 2016, with sexual exploitation the most common form of trafficking and women outnumbering men among victims.

However, it also noted a gradual increase in the proportion of labour exploitation being detected, which has mostly involved men in Ireland.

Figures for 2017 are set to be made available at “the mid-year stage in 2018”, the Department of Justice has said.

Commenting on the report, Mr Flanagan said: “In 2016, for the first time, the State initiated prosecutions under both the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 for the sexual exploitation of an adult, and under the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) (Amendment) Act 2013 for the labour exploitation of adults. Convictions in such prosecutions carry a maximum life sentence.”

He added: “We are sending a strong message to criminals who seek to traffic and exploit vulnerable people: strong laws are in place, detections are increasing, and perpetrators will pay a high price for their heinous behaviour. Human trafficking is a clandestine activity and I am encouraging members of the public to notify Gardaí if they fear a person is the victim of human trafficking.”