Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Brady welcomes calls for tougher measures to combat human trafficking

Published: 13 February, 2010

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry/Armagh, Mickey Brady has welcomed a call for prevention of trafficking of human beings, in a vote in the European Parliament yesterday.

Mr Brady said;

"Just over a year ago we were met with the stark realization that human traffickers were operating in this area. A number of women were rescued from brothels in Newry last year.

His party colleague Bairbre de Brún spoke in the Parliament and called on the EU to take stronger action, focusing on combating trafficking, prevention and protection of victims.

"The majority of trafficking is going on underground and undetected," said de Brún, "and we need to gather as much information as possible in an attempt to raise awareness, drawing attention to the traps that can easily lead to trafficking.

"Those who become aware of possible trafficking need to stand up against this.

"In the current economic and financial crisis, people are led to believe they will be offered a better standard of life, only to be coerced into prostitution or forced labour. Although women and children are the more vulnerable victims, all potential categories of victims must be identified and offered assistance on an unconditional basis.

"The recent court case in Cardiff Crown Court which led to the conviction of Thomas Carroll and Shameila Clark, highlighted the appalling abuse of those trafficked into Ireland and forced to work in brothels. The lives these women and girls were forced to live was nothing short of modern-day slavery

People throughout Ireland need to be aware of what is happening and be prepared to act to end this human rights abuse."

"De Brún reiterated the need for an exhaustive and comprehensive legal framework, including policies to counter cyber-crime connected to trafficking, to be adopted as soon as possible.