Figures on human trafficking victims 'a considerable underestimate of the true number'
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The published number of human trafficking victims in Ireland is “a considerable underestimate of the true number”, according to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.
The body has responded to figures contained in the 2024 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
In the three years between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023, 140 victims of human trafficking have been detected in Ireland, including at least 10 children. They also include at least one person who was trafficked here in 2022 for the purpose of the removal of their organs, for sale.
However, IHREC believes the actual figures of victims in Ireland is much higher because currently, only gardaí can identify victims.
Under a new national referral mechanism expected to be in operation in Ireland early next year, other frontline agencies will be able to identify victims.
A statement from IHREC, which is the country’s special rapporteur on human trafficking, says the new referral mechanism will be a crucial component in identifying and assisting victims.
It added: “Official data on trafficking in Ireland, we believe, is a considerable underestimate of the true number of victims. This is because the overall number of cases depends on parameters of the NRM [national referral mechanism], and there are issues with the current system for identification and support.”
The commission said the new mechanism would also “make it simpler for people to come forward, by adopting a multi-agency approach”.
The body is particularly concerned about identifying child trafficking victims. Last year, more than 7,000 children were identified as victims of trafficking through the UK’s national referral mechanism.
In comparison, just five child trafficking victims were identified in Ireland.
The IHREC statement said: “There are gaps in the legislation, including details relating to child trafficking and to assistance. In order for the new legislation to work effectively, we need these gaps to be addressed in the operational guidelines under the new national referral mechanism, which are currently under development."