The annual Trafficking in Persons Report, published by the US Department of State, placed Ireland on a tier two watch list” for failure to meet the minimum standards required for the elimination of human trafficking. The report found that the government has not increased their efforts to eliminate trafficking since the previous reporting period.
The report noted the lack of convictions for trafficking offences, increased vulnerability to trafficking for sea fishermen and forced labour issues such as document retention, restriction of movement and non-payment of wages. It also noted that domestic workers are vulnerable to trafficking.
It is the second time in three years that Ireland has been downgraded, being rated in the top tier until 2018.
To read the report in full, visit https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report-2020/