PREVENTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND SHAM MARRIAGES: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY SOLUTION

RIGA 5TH FEBRUARY

Héilean Rosenstock-Armie

Anti–Trafficking Coordinator

Immigrant Council of Ireland

ICI Work in Anti-TraffickingICI Work in Anti-Trafficking

Purpose: ensure appropriate responses to

the needs of vulnerable migrants

provision of specialist support to migrant

women and girls trafficked to Ireland for the purposes of sexual exploitation

Support to women subjected to sexual exploitation within the sex industry

• In 2014 19 clients of the Independent Law Centre received legal representation of which 17 were VoT and two were migrants in prostitution. All of the VoT were trafficked for sexual exploitation and one for sham marriage and sexual exploitation.

Statistics

Statistics Department of Justice 44 victims in 2013.29 for sexual exploitation8 for labour exploitation1 for labour and sexual exploitation3 for other exploitation 3 uncategorised 33 female and 11 male28 adults 16 minors Sham marriage was an element in one investigation

ICI Principles

protection of the rights and safety of victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation (VoT)

adherence to human rights standards and international commitments

protection of the dignity, integrity, privacy, and identity of VoT throughout the process of assistance and support

consideration of sex trafficking, and other forms of sexual commercial exploitation, as forms of violence against women

recognition of racism as inherent in trafficking in migrant women and the exploitation of migrant women

demand reduction as a way forward

Principles continued Client Centred Human Rights Based Approach Trauma Informed Attitude

Partnerships Frontloading Holistic support Tenacity

Relevant Laws EU Directive 2011/36/EU to combat and prevent human

trafficking and protect its victimsUN Palermo Protocol Council of Europe Convention on Action against

Trafficking in Human BeingsCriminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, as

amended 2014Administrative Immigration Arrangements for the

Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking (IRP Bill in future) Non-Statutory and thus difficult to challenge

ICI Assistance An Enhanced Legal Service

Administrative Immigration ArrangementsApplication for R&R 60 daysApplications for Temporary Residence PermissionApplications for Change of Status under Article 21 of AIAApplication for FR with child at riskApplication for LTRApplications for asylum and R&R to run concurrentOther Assistance under General Immigration LawApplication under ZambranoApplication for travel documentEU Treaty RightsCompensation case Non-Punishment caseHabitual Residence Condition (victim of sham marriage)

HRC Condition Introduced in 2004 prior to EU enlargement to make it

difficult to access social welfareAIA in Ireland precludes EU nationals as they have

permission to be in the countryDisadvantaged by the fact of their nationalityCan’t access social welfare for accommodation as a VoT.

Accommodated in centres for asylum seekersICI lobbies for a change in policy where VoT are exempt

from the HRC condition

ICI Recent Campaign

• Tinder Advert

Campaigns

Transnational project on reduction in demand for the sexual services of victims of trafficking.

Upholding Rights! Early Legal InterventionFor victims of human trafficking

Thanks

Thank You

Héilean Rosenstock-Armie

Anti-Trafficking Coordinator

heilean@immigrantcouncil.ie