‘Work far from over’ in the clamp down on trafficking, says Doras Luimni CEO

THE CEO of migrants rights charity Doras Luimni has said more needs to be done to put an end to human trafficking and to support people affected by it.

Leonie Kerins made the comments on Thursday to mark EU Anti-Trafficking Day, an annual celebration to reflect on progress made by European Union member states. 

Doras Luimni, based on O'Connell Street, actively campaigned for the criminalisation of the purchase of sex, signed into law in 2017.

While Ms Kerins welcomed this progress, she said "our work is far from over". 

Since the introduction of the law, there have been just three prosecutions in Ireland, none of which have resulted in convictions. 

This year, the US State Department relegated Ireland from a Tier 1 to a Tier 2 in an annual Trafficking in Persons (Tip) report. Tip highlighted the country's poor record on prosecutions and convictions, as well as inappropriate use of Direct Provision centres to accommodate victims of trafficking, Ms Kerins said. 

“Ireland’s relegation in the TIP report should be a wake-up call for the Government, and a call to action for organisations who support anti-trafficking efforts and campaigns," she said. She added that Doras Luimni has long opposed housing victims of trafficking in Direct Provision centres, which it believes can worsen "existing physical or mental health issues". 

"People who have escaped from a trafficking situation require specialised supports and accommodation while they recover from the trauma experienced.” Doras provides dedicated support to people affected by human trafficking.