Lockdown measures have increased the difficulty for trafficking victims of escaping and finding help when they are held in situations against their will, says Caritas International.
“I encourage you to seek, in every poor person whom you encounter, his or her true needs, not to stop at their most obvious material needs, but to discover their inner goodness,” Pope Francis told the faithful.
“Let us resolve to raise awareness, to keep our eyes open and to cooperate at all levels of society for an end to this evil in our midst,” says Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh.
“This year the big thing has been how to build upon collaboration with law enforcement. That is a critical component to combating human trafficking, but also in terms of getting the message out there to the criminals that there is joined-up thinking going on around the world.”
The 2018 Annual Report marks three decades of front-line work by Ruhama with those it describes as “some of the most vulnerable and marginalised women in Ireland”.
“I believe prevention is needed in destination, transit and source nations. This is where healthcare has a major role to play.”
“Any man, woman or child who has been trafficked, or could be trafficked, clearly needs our unconditional love.”
Pope addresses the topic of slavery on the feast day of St Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of human trafficking victims.
“Despite the formal abolition of the slave trade, the exploitation of some human beings by others has not ended and now takes place in terrible new forms on a significantly large scale.”
Prestigious honour recognises Sr Imelda Poole’s "outstanding service in combatting human trafficking and modern slavery".
Deacon Roger Stone receives British Empire Medal for services to seafarers.
“It is now illegal to purchase sex in this country and the penalties for organising and profiting from prostitution have been increased. More needs to be done to ensure that these laws are properly enforced.”
The walk-in piece of public art is intended to get people’s attention. Its gift box exterior symbolises the way traffickers entice their victims with false promises.
“Targeting buyers means we can reduce the demand for women and children to be coerced into selling sexual services” –Turn off the Red Light.
“To keep silent in the face of evil is to be an accomplice” bishops warn as death toll passes 7,000 killings in just seven months.
301 women were assisted by the NGO according to the 2015 Annual Report including 94 victims of sex trafficking, an increase of six over the previous year (88 in 2014).
“Migrants are our brothers and sisters in search of a better life, far away from poverty, hunger and exploitation, much like our forefathers at the time of the famine."
We should not view migrants just from the standpoint of their status but "as people whose dignity is to be protected and are capable of contributing to progress": Pope.
Irish bishops take strong solidarity stance as they call for a generous response to the needs of refugees.
No convictions specifically against sex or labour traffickers in 2014 international report shows.
“Whether it be the women we meet on the street or the other volunteers and permanent staff, my life is richer from having met them all" - Ruhama volunteer.
Three years would give people an opportunity to address Laudato Si’s recommendations in the local church in the first year, nationally in the second year and globally in the third year.
Poll finds that 88% of Irish men have never bought sex; just 8% say they have, but not regularly, with 4% not responding.
“In recent days the large scale loss of life in the Mediterranean Sea has once again highlighted human trafficking as a real and present problem” - Primate.
“I cannot celebrate the light of Christ without thinking of those students in Kenya singled out to be killed precisely because of their Christian identity" - Archbishop Martin.
Assurances will be sought from all parties and independent candidates in the general election that they will address the concerns of migrants and their families.
Bishop McAreavey calls for law to criminalise the purchase of sex to be enacted quickly in the Republic of Ireland.
Archbishop tells members of Oireachtas and Diplomatic Corps that hidden in Irish society is a serious problem of people who are the victims of trafficking.
Statement marks International Human Rights Day with a call to protect the human rights of those living in poverty, asylum seekers and the trafficked.
Bill will hold sex buyers to account for their key role in fuelling organised crime and perpetrating abuse against victims of trafficking and exploitation.
