Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 January 2021
106. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a report entitled Trafficking from the Fringes of Europe to the Middle East published by human rights organisations; if so, the action he plans to take on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1971/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the report to which the Deputy refers. The trafficking of women, men, girls, and boys, is a grave violation of the human rights of the individuals concerned under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Ireland supports all action to prevent trafficking. Countering trafficking is a priority for the EU, and the key elements of the EU’s multifaceted approach are set out in the 2017 Communication “Reporting on the follow-up to the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of trafficking in human beings and identifying further concrete actions” (COM/2017).
The EU’s approach to the problem of trafficking is comprehensive, including prevention, assistance, support and protection for victims, disrupting the criminal business model and untangling the trafficking chain and intensifying coordination within and outside the EU. Each member state contributes to the EU’s overall approach through its own domestic legislation and actions. In Ireland, the Department of Justice leads on the issue of trafficking.
We also welcome measures taken by countries in the Middle East to prevent trafficking. All of the countries of the region, bar Iran, have ratified the UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime, and the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. We also welcome the enactment of domestic laws to prevent and punish trafficking, as well as the establishment of dedicated national committees to combat human trafficking and labour exploitation. Working both through the EU, and in a national capacity, Ireland will continue to fully support these efforts.
