The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission today met with the Council of Europe's delegation from the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), and raised their concerns about human trafficking in Ireland, highlighting both the progress made and the serious gaps that continue to undermine Ireland’s response to human trafficking. While the 2024 legislation signals positive intent, delays in development, commencement and implementation of the new National Referral Mechanism mean that victims of trafficking are still not receiving the clear pathways to identification, assistance and protection that they urgently need.
The Commission remains particularly concerned about the lack of legal certainty and detail around access to supports for presumed and identified victims. The ongoing failure to provide safe and appropriate accommodation continues to be a key issue. There are persistent issues with identification, protection and support of child victims of trafficking. The Commission has consistently called for a system grounded in the best interests of the child, and this remains an urgent priority.
Priorities also include the need for optimal transposition into national law of the Amended EU Directive on Anti-Human Trafficking and its strengthened obligations on Ireland.
The Commission has raised wide-ranging concerns regarding the transposition of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, including the impact on victims of trafficking.
Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner said:
“Human trafficking is a profound violation of human rights. Ireland must ensure that its laws, policies, and support systems meet the scale and urgency of this challenge, and that the rights and needs of victims—children and adults—are at the centre of our national response.”