Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 June 2018
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the EU or UN continue to address the issues of trafficking throughout the globe with particular reference to women and children and the use of child soldiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28348/18]
View answerHuman trafficking is abhorrent abuse of people, particularly those most vulnerable, and I condemn it in its entirety. The Government of Ireland recognises that trafficking in human beings undermines the fundamental principles of human rights law and that it can only be tackled through global cooperation, partnership and a victim centered approach. At EU level, human trafficking is prohibited by Article 5.3 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Human Rights. EU Directive 2001/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims was agreed in 2011 and has been transposed into domestic law by all EU Member States, including Ireland. Article 20 of the Directive outlines the role of the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator who is responsible for improving coordination and coherence among EU institutions, EU agencies, Member States and international actors in addressing human trafficking. She is also responsible for developing existing and new EU policies to address human trafficking. In 2017, the EU adopted a new Communication to address human trafficking and committed to implement a new set of priorities, building on the 2012-2016 EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings. The Communication’s cross cutting priorities aim to provide a stronger response to trafficking though coordinated and consolidated actions by relevant authorities and organisations. The two cross cutting priorities are: the establishment of a sound knowledge base – understanding the nature, scale and costs of trafficking is key to ensuring appropriate action; and supporting anti-trafficking priorities in the EU and non-EU countries.
At an international level, the United Nations continues to lead on combating human trafficking across the globe. The UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children was the first international treaty aimed at comprehensively defining and addressing human trafficking and was ratified by Ireland in 2010. The Protocol has a threefold purpose: to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, paying particular attention to women and children; to protect and assist victims of trafficking; and to promote cooperation among States Parties in order to meet those objectives.
The Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2010. It includes concrete actions to prevent trafficking in persons, protect and assist victims, prosecute related crimes and strengthen partnerships among Governments, civil society organisations and the private sector, including the media. The Action Plan provided for the establishment of a United Nations voluntary trust fund for victims of trafficking in persons, especially women and children, managed by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
During the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, a high level meeting took place on 27 and 28 September to review progress on implementation of the Plan. The General Assembly adopted, by consensus, a political declaration aimed at combating human trafficking with member states, including Ireland, reaffirming their commitment to the Plan.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has also worked towards integrating a human rights based approach into the fight against human trafficking. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has developed Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking that aim to assist those involved in anti-trafficking to integrate a human rights based approach into their responses. The Human Rights Council also addresses human trafficking through resolutions that address the issue both directly and indirectly. For example, at the 37th session of the United National Human Rights Council in March of this year, the Council adopted a resolution on the rights of the child in humanitarian settings which specifically addressed issue of human trafficking of children. At the 35th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in June 2017, the Council adopted a resolution on the protection of human rights of migrants which addressed, inter alia, victims of human trafficking. Both resolutions were cosponsored by Ireland. At the 32nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in June 2016, the Council adopted a resolution entitled Protecting Victims of Trafficking and People at Risk of Trafficking, Especially Women and Children in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations, which was also cosponsored by Ireland.
Finally, among the special procedures of the Human Rights Council is the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, who is mandated to take action on violations committed against trafficked persons; undertake country visits; and to submit annual reports on the activities of the mandate. Ireland has supported the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, most recently in 2017 through co-sponsorship of a resolution extending the mandate of the office for a further three years.
