OSCE Special Representative, in Dublin, discusses Ireland’s anti-trafficking efforts

DUBLIN, 30 January 2011 - The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro met the Irish Justice and Equality Minister Alan Shatter, today at the start of a four-day visit to Ireland.

They discussed Ireland’s recent experience in tackling modern-day slavery as well as relevant new legislation, a National Action Plan, and the establishment of complex institutional machinery, building on co-operation with non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

"Ireland has established good practices on many human rights issues, including anti-discrimination. This sets the context for even better results in anti-trafficking action which require that trafficked persons are recognized primarily as victims of a gross human rights violation, not expelled as irregular migrants or considered to be mere tools for investigation,” said Giammarinaro.

“Ireland’s human-rights based approach explains why the government's anti-trafficking policy, although recently initiated, has been dynamic and innovative. Trafficked persons are human beings and holders of rights first and foremost," Giammarinaro said.

The purpose of the Special Representative’s visit is to support ongoing government efforts to combat human trafficking and to discuss how to enhance its policy, especially concerning the number of victims recognized as such and given assistance.

Giammarinaro will also meet other senior public officials, including the Executive Director of the Anti Human Trafficking Unit and the Head of the OSCE Chairmanship Taskforce as well as representatives from law enforcement, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the National Employment Rights Authority, the Health Service Executive, the Naturalisation and Immigration Service, the Irish Human Rights Commission, and the Ombudsman for Children. She will also meet parliamentarians, and representatives from NGOs, trade unions and academia. On 2 February she will give a public speech at the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin.