An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 23 Department of Justice and Equality. The report is based on information provided by An Garda Síochána; NGOs such as Ruhama, ICI, MRCI and Stop Sex Trafficking; and inter- national organisations like the International Organisation for Migration. The report is published on the government's dedicated anti-human trafficking website www.blueblind- fold.gov.ie. The concept behind the website's title is 'don't close your eyes to human trafficking' in that the blindfold represents people having their eyes closed and not being aware that this type of crime may be going on around them in cities, towns and villages in Ireland. The Report stated that 48 people were proven to be victims of human trafficking in 2012. Of these 39 were traf- ficked for sexual exploitation, six for labour exploitation, and the remaining three were for uncategorised exploita- tion. The profile of the group was 31 females and 17 males; 25 were adults, 23 were minors. What may be surprising to many given the common concept of trafficking is that 19 of the victims originated in Ireland. Of the remainder 10 were from other EU countries, eight were from western Africa, and 11 were from other regions. The 19 Irish were all minors and were all reported as victims of sexual exploitation. The 2012 Report shows a continuing reduction in the number of reported cases compared to previous years. An examination of the data between 2009 and 2012 indicates that the number of victims originating from outside the EU has been declining on a yearly basis. However, it is impor- tant to recognise that due to the clandestine nature of human trafficking and its overlap with other highly secre- tive activities such as prostitution and various forms of exploitative labour practices, estimating the prevalence of this crime is highly problematic. All Defence Forces serving on peace support operations are given the Soldiers' Card, which details their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, and includes specific provisions relating to UNSCR 1325. The Defence Forces has also adopted the UN Secretary Gener- al's Bulletin on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse to define the standard of conduct. The Bulletin sets out a zero-tolerance policy that prohibits sexual relations with members of the host/de- pendent population, sex with children (under 18 years), and any transactional sex, whether for money, goods or favours. Due to the adoption of this policy by the Defence Forces, any breach constitutes an offence against military law and renders the perpetrator liable to prosecution. These people find themselves in terrible situations. No one willingly signs up to becoming a slave. Human traffickers frequently recruit their victims through fraudulent adver- tisements that promise jobs such as hostesses, domestic work or work in the agricultural industry. Victims can even be recruited by family members and can come from rural or urban backgrounds. Learning these signs will help you to detect the possibility of human trafficking while serving overseas or just while go- ing about your daily life in your town or village. Further information on this topic can be obtained from: Anti-human Trafficking Unit, Department of Justice and Law Reform, 51 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, or from www.blueblindfold.gov.ie. To anonymously report any suspicious activity, call: Crimestoppers 1800 25 00 25 or email blueblindfold@garda.ie. So, AS indiViduAlS HoW CAn We Help? by being vigilant and learning the signs. Recognising a victim of human trafficking is not always easy but being familiar with some of the general indicators will help. People who have been trafficked may:- • be unable to leave their work environment; • show signs that their movements are being controlled; • be subjected to violence or threats against themselves or against their family members and loved ones; • display injuries consistent with an assault; • display injuries/ill-health consistent with working with hazardous substances without suitable safety equip- ment or clothing; • be distrustful of the authorities; • be afraid of revealing their immigration status; • not be in possession of their passports or other travel or identity documents; • be completely dependent on their 'employer' for accom- modation, food, transport and communication. Dr Myria Vassiliadou, the EU's Anti-Trafficking Co-ordinator with members of the Irish NGO's working in the area of human trafficking.

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