The trafficking of pregnant women into Ireland for the purposes of forced adoption is to be identified as an ‘emerging trend’ in the forthcoming submission by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) to the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.
The issue was raised in a parliamentary question to the Minister for Justice by the Independent TD for Laois-Offaly Carol Nolan following a briefing event on combatting human trafficking in Ireland organised by the Cross-Party Oireachtas Life and Dignity Group.
The Laois-Offaly TD acts as Co-Chair of the OL&DG along with Louth TD Peter Fitzpatrick.
The Oireachtas briefing was organised to highlight a major report from the United States which found that Ireland continues to fall significantly behind other Western nations in dealing with the international problem of human trafficking and its treatment of victims.
It was addressed by Ms. Sunniva McDonagh SC, a lawyer specialising in fundamental rights, and a member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.
Also addressing the event was Dr. Ewelina Ochab, a lawyer and international human rights advocate.
In her reply to Deputy Nolan, the Minister for Justice Heather Humphries confirmed that the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) is acting as the National Rapporteur on the Trafficking of Human Beings, as provided for in Article 19 of the EU Directive on preventing and combatting trafficking in human beings.
The role of the National Rapporteur includes the identification of potential trends and risks in the human trafficking.
Minister Humphries said she understands that the risk of trafficking into Ireland for purposes of forced adoption is one emerging risk that is referenced in the forthcoming submission by IHREC to the Council of Europe Group.
This submission will be published by the IHREC on 18 October 2021 and any possible emerging risks identified will be assessed and appropriate action taken.
Commenting on the matter, Deputy Nolan said:
“The expertly delivered presentations at our event painted a stark and alarming portrait of the brutal reality of human trafficking, both internationally and domestically. Indeed, it is now clear that there is an urgent ethical and political imperative to act in order to prevent the emerging trends within human trafficking in Ireland from gaining a foothold here. We must make Ireland a cold-house for anyone who thinks they can engage with impunity in this horrendous and brutalising illegal activity.”