Sixty-Seven Human Trafficking Victims Identified in Ireland

In 2024, An Garda Síochána identified a total of **sixty-seven** victims of human trafficking in Ireland, marking a **25 percent increase** from the previous year. This brings the total number of victims formally identified since **2013** to **633**. The majority of these victims are female, highlighting an urgent social issue that often goes unnoticed.

At the launch of the new **Project Aware** initiative, which aims to raise public awareness of human trafficking, Minister for Justice **Jim O’Callaghan** emphasized that trafficking is “happening in Ireland, often hidden in plain sight.” He urged the public not to ignore the issue, stressing the importance of community vigilance in combating this crime.

Project Aware Campaign Launch

The campaign is backed by An Garda Síochána, the **Health Service Executive (HSE)**, and various non-governmental organizations, including **Doras**, the **Immigrant Council of Ireland**, and **Ruhama**. It will be promoted through social media and other channels over the coming weeks to educate the public on identifying signs of human trafficking.

The initiative also includes collaboration with major Irish banks and support from U.S. financial institutions, underscoring the role of financial systems in uncovering trafficking operations. **Niamh Davenport**, head of financial crime with the **Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland**, noted that trafficking is not only a human rights issue but also a significant financial crime. “Through this campaign, we want to raise public awareness and reaffirm our sector’s commitment to working alongside government, law enforcement, and NGOs to stop trafficking at every level,” she stated.

Collaboration and Community Involvement

Additionally, **EY’s** **Jenny Pattwell** highlighted the firm’s involvement in the **Harcourt Programme**, a collaborative effort aimed at preventing, detecting, and disrupting the financial structures that enable modern slavery.

Det Chief Supt **Colm Noonan** of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau noted that trafficking often hides behind everyday situations. He stated, “Awareness can make the difference.” Individuals who suspect they have witnessed human trafficking, or who believe they may be victims themselves, are encouraged to reach out to An Garda Síochána via a dedicated email address at **[email protected]** or through the confidential telephone line at **1800 666 111**.

As Ireland continues to address the complexities of human trafficking, initiatives like Project Aware play a pivotal role in mobilizing public awareness and fostering a community response to this pressing issue.