Implementation of sex buyer laws in Ireland

Sex buyer laws backed by National Women’s Council of Ireland
Implementation of laws and other anti sex trafficking measures demanded at AGM
“Motions seek new sexual offences bill, safe and secure accommodation
for victims and appointment of Independent Anti-Trafficking Rapporteur receive
backing”
Statement by the Immigrant Council of Ireland
The Government must act on calls by the National Women’s Council of Ireland to strengthen measures against human trafficking including the implementation of sex buyer laws, according to the Immigrant Council of Ireland.
Three motions aimed at combatting human trafficking and protecting victims were passed at the AGM of the National Women’s Council in Dublin (11th June 2015).
In addition to the implementation of sex buyer laws delegates want victims moved from Direct Provision Centres to safe housing and the appointment of an Independent Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, in line with other European Countries.
Responding to the Motions, Denise Charlton, Anti-Trafficking Consultant with the Immigrant Council of Ireland added:
“The calls by the National Womens Council are timely as the Government is now finalising legislation. The need for sex buyer laws has been heightened in the past two weeks with Northern Ireland moving ahead with its own laws and both France and Scotland expected to follow suit. Failure to act will risk leaving our communities as safe havens for pimps.
Ending demand will smash the business model for organised crime but it is also vital that victims are given supports and protections which is why they must be placed in safe homes away from the reach of pimps, traffickers and thugs.
Appointing an Independent Rapporteur will not only bring us into line with the rest of Europe, but will also ensure that the measures we have in place are working.”
Brian Killoran, Chief Executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland added:
“As a frontline organisation which has supported 19 victims of sex-trafficking in the past year we warmly welcome the support received at the AGM of the National Women’s Council.
In particular we want to acknowledge the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Akidwa and Ruhama who joined us to secure these motions. Ireland’s time to shut down this most lucrative of crime is now and we will be working with our 72 partner organisations in the Turn Off the Red Light campaign in order to ensure this opportunity is not lost.”
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Motions Passed at AGM of the National Women’s Council of Ireland
18. Enactment of Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2014
The INMO calls on the NWCI, considering its policy on violence against women and prostitution, and its membership of Turn Off The Red Light and the European’s Women’s Lobby, to provide support and resources
to ensure successful implementation of same.
Proposed by: Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
Seconded by: The Immigrant Council of Ireland.
19. Victims of trafficking placed in direct provision centres
The Immigrant Council calls on the NWCI to support efforts of NGOs to end the practice of housing trafficked victims, in particular vulnerable sexually abused women, in Direct Provision, and to provide instead gender-sensitive accommodation
offering safety, privacy and chances of recovery from trauma.
Proposed by: Immigrant Council of Ireland
Seconded by: AkiDwA
20. Independent National Rapporteur for victims of Human Trafficking
The Immigrant Council calls on the NWCI to lobby for the establishment of an Independent National Rapporteur on Trafficking of Human Beings, to independently monitor the implementation of the National Action Plan, policies and legislation, to ensure a robust and transparent system
which protects victims.
Proposed by: Immigrant Council of Ireland
Seconded by: Ruhama