The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘the Commission’), who is Ireland’s National Rapporteur on the Trafficking of Human Beings, today welcomed the publication of the review of legislation that criminalised the purchase of sex. In Ireland, from 2013 to 2023, trafficking for sexual exploitation was the most detected form of trafficking, affecting predominately women and girls. The Commission noted that Ireland has until 15 July 2026 to introduce legislation to comply with the Recast E.U. Directive to Strengthen Anti-Human Trafficking. The Directive considerably changes or modifies the provisions of the EU's 2011 Anti-Human Trafficking Directive that previously set minimum rules for the definition of criminal offences and sanctions at the national level. A number of these strengthened provisions are relevant to the review, including the use of ICT as aggravating circumstance, and mandatory requirements for State around data collection and reporting. Importantly, it makes it mandatory to criminalise the knowing use of services provided by victims of trafficking, an important measure towards stepping up demand reduction. The Commission continues to recognise the value of the increased attention paid to the high-risk environment of the commercial sex trade that was brought about through the introduction of Part IV of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017. We welcomed the finding that there is a need for accurate data, comprehensive supports and improved training, identification, and multiagency collaboration. Following the publication of the review, the Commission repeated its calls for adequate and appropriate supports to be put in place by the State, alongside funding to ensure that all survivors of trafficking to receive specialised assistance. It is crucial that this assistance is provided regardless of their origin, nationality, statelessness, immigration status or a pending International Protection claim. The Commission has previously recommended that the State proactively implement the relevant provisions of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 to reduce the demand that heightens the risk of trafficking for sexual exploitation, alongside increased support for exit pathways for people affected, including potential victims of trafficking. This must include as a minimum: legal, psychological and medical support; access to exit programmes; emergency and social housing; financial assistance; regularised immigration status with the right to work; and access to training and employment. We also reiterate our recommendation that the new National Referral Mechanism Operational Guidelines, which we understand are due to be published shortly, explicitly detail assistance and supports for presumed and identified victims of trafficking. Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick said:
“Human trafficking, including for sexual exploitation, is a grave human rights abuse that is happening in towns and cities all over Ireland and the State must put in place an effective mechanism to combat and prevent it. It is clear that important progress is being made to put in place a multi-agency approach to human trafficking; but the State must now step up and ensure that the Operational Guidelines to accompany this mechanism include the relevant supports and funding needed to comply with the relevant E.U. Directive.”
ENDS For more information, please contact: Sarah Clarkin, IHREC Communications Manager, 01 8592641 / 087 4687760 sarah.clarkin@ihrec.ie
Editor’s Note:
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission,
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is an independent public body, appointed by the President and directly accountable to the Oireachtas. The Commission has a statutory remit set out under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act (2014) to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland, and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the State. As part of its statutory remit, the Commission has a specific function to work towards the elimination of discrimination.