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Anti-Trafficking Day - 18th October 2012

The Integration and Support Unit (ISU) at Mount Sion in Waterford hosted a one day seminar entitled “Migration, Movement and Trafficking” to mark the EU's Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18th. The event took place at the Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre at Mount Sion.

"The aim of the gathering was to raise awareness of the plight of Men, Women and Child victims trafficked for exploitation such as forced or bonded labour, bonded debt, criminal activities, child labour, removal and sale of human organs for profit and the sex industry," according to Brother Kevin Mascarenhas, Director of ISU.

A range of local, regional and national guests contributed to the Seminar including representatives from frontline service providers and NGOs, State Agencies, National and International Organisations as well as Local and Port Authorities.

The Seminar focused on the links between migration, movement and trafficking, what organisations can do to raise more awareness, how to identify and map relevant and appropriate responses and services and; Identifying local solutions to human trafficking.

A series of participative workshops explored ways to inform local and regional policy to combat these violations of human rights and identify coordinated appropriate responses for potential victims. The Seminar also involved a sharing of expertise and information as well as beginning a process of highlighting trafficking issues.

"Human trafficking risks in the southeast of Ireland, both within and across borders, are heightened due to the number of inland ports (New Ross & Waterford), Rosslare Europort and Waterford airport. Therefore it is vital that the excellent recommendations identified on the day are used proactively to inform the next steps. A Report on the Seminar will be available shortly," Br Kevin added.

The Integration and Support Unit is a NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) based in Waterford City assisting with the Integration of Asylum Seekers, Refugees and other Migrants since 2006.

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