Babies of smuggled pregnant women sold on black market

Irish human rights body report warns trade ‘an emerging trend’

EVIL trafficking gangs are smuggling pregnant women into Ireland and selling their babies for adoption.

The scandal will be exposed in a report by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

The findings, for the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking of Human Beings, will reveal the smuggling of pregnant women is an “emerging trend” here.

TDS, who sit on the cross-party Life and Dignity Group, were briefed by lawyer Sunniva Mcdonagh who is also a member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and Dr Ewelina

Ochab, also a lawyer and human rights advocate.

The meeting took place amid growing concerns about a recent report from the US which found Ireland continues to fall far behind other western countries in dealing with human trafficking and its treatment of victims.

The Americans warned if they don’t see improvements they could remove pre-immigration clearance at Dublin and Shannon airports. No figures have been circulated yet as to how many expecting mums are being forcibly smuggled in.

Independent TD Carol Nolan, co-chair of the Dail Life and Dignity Group said: “It is now clear there is an urgent ethical and political imperative to act in order to prevent the emergings trends within human trafficking in Ireland from gaining a foothold here. “We must make Ireland a cold house for anyone who thinks they can engage with impunity in this horrendous and brutalising illegal activity.”

Irish Justice Minister Heather Humphreys said: “Human trafficking is a heinous crime based on deception and exploitation of vulnerable people. Combating it will continue to be a priority for the Government.

“We want to ensure every victim of human trafficking that ends up in Ireland is identified and helped.”

VOW