Raising awareness of human trafficking

STUDENTS solemnly filed into the U.N ‘Giftbox’ which arrived at St. Joseph’s Redemptorist church last week, stunned by the real life stories of human trafficking.

The United Nation global initiative was in Dundalk on Wednesday last, as part of the final leg of its journey across the world highlighting the reality of the trafficking of adults and children every day.

The campaign was brought to town by a group of dedicated volunteers from the Marist college, the Redemptorist Fathers, Louth Leader Partnership and Dundalk St. Vincent De Paul.

The ‘gift’ is the promise made of ‘a better life, a job, home and travel,’ but in reality can lead to people being forced to work as prostitutes, domestic slaves, or forced into sham marriages or organ donation.

Marist teacher Rosie Reynolds, who was also instrumental in bringing the campaign to town, said it was an ‘eye-opening experience’ for the students.

‘We actually did a workshop in school a few days ago, just to find out what students thought about when they heard the word trafficking.’

‘Some had not even heard of it, and were shocked to find out that is actually happening in Ireland today, and in some cases involves children around their own age,’ said Ms. Reynolds.

‘So this is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness about the nature of human trafficking, and for them to be aware of it as they grow up, and the reality of what it could mean for someone who is in a terrible situation like the cases which were highlighted here.’

The exhibit highlighted how those most at risk of being trafficked are women and children, and how 20 million people are held in slavery for cheap labour, sexual exploitation, and forced street begging.

Cllr. Liam Reilly, who was also involved in bringing the campaign to Dundalk, said it had been an important event for all of the students who attended, and illustrated the deception practised, where the promise of a ‘gift’ hid a terrible reality.