Launch of awareness campaign on human trafficking amid rising cases

Ottoline Spearman

A public awareness campaign spotlighting human trafficking in Ireland was launched on Thursday amid rising numbers across the country.

67 victims were officially identified by An Garda Síochána in 2024, but the true number is likely to be multiples of this.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said: “Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that deprives people of their freedom and dignity. It is happening in Ireland, often hidden in plain sight, and we cannot turn away from it. This campaign calls on every member of the public to recognise the signs and report concerns, because even a small piece of information can help protect a victim.

Human trafficking is often a hidden crime that exploits people for profit. Victims are trafficked and controlled through threats, violence, or deception and are often forced into sexual exploitation, labour, or other forms of abuse.

Certain industries are particularly vulnerable to trafficking, especially those involving hidden, informal, or low-wage work such as hospitality, agriculture and fishing, beauty services and manual labour.

Ireland remains in Tier 2 in the 2025 report published by the US Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

The annual report evaluates how successful governments are in meeting minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, under US law (the Trafficking Victims Protection Act). Countries are ranked in tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 2 Watchlist, Tier 3) based on the efforts they make in prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships.

Ireland is in Tier 2, meaning the Government does not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking but is making significant efforts.

The Third National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking, which was launched in 2023, aims to, among other things, establish a new National Referral Mechanism, which will make it easier for victims to come forward.

It will also ensure that victims can come forward to a range of agencies and not just An Garda Síochána, as is currently the case.

The campaign launched on Thursday is delivered through The Harcourt Programme, and led by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, EY, An Garda Síochána, and global human trafficking NGO, STOP THE TRAFFIK.

The campaign also runs in collaboration with AIB, Bank of Ireland, PTSB and US Bank DAC.

The financial sector plays a vital role in dismantling the economic infrastructure of trafficking. Niamh Davenport, Head of Financial Crime with BPFI, said: “Human trafficking is not just a human rights crime, it is also a financial crime. Every act of exploitation generates illicit funds that flow through banks and payment systems, making financial institutions critical in detecting and disrupting these networks."

How to spot the signs

A victim of human trafficking may be someone who:

• Has no access to personal legal documents or bank accounts.
• Works unusually long hours.
• Is living in unsafe or overcrowded housing.
• Is never alone and always accompanied by someone else.
• Is under the watch of an adult who seems protective or controlling towards them.
• Shows signs of physical or psychological abuse such as anxiety, bruising or untreated medical conditions.
• Is fearful and distrustful of authorities, even though they need help.
• Has little to no contact with family or loved ones.

How to report the crime

Report to An Garda Síochána: If you are a victim of human trafficking, or suspect someone is being exploited for human trafficking, you can report it to a dedicated email address at blueblindfold@garda.ie.

You can also call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or contact your local Garda station. If you are in urgent need of support, please contact 999/112. For more information, please visit blueblindfold.gov.ie

For more information about human trafficking in Ireland visit: www.SpottheSigns.ie