IOM – Research report, “A Study on Human Trafficking between Ireland and Northern Ireland”.

To mark Anti-Slavery Day 2023, IOM UK together with IOM Ireland is pleased to release the research report, “A Study on Human Trafficking between Ireland and Northern Ireland”.

#ModernSlavery affects almost every country in the world, including the UK, and remains a largely hidden phenomenon. On #AntiSlaveryDay we reiterate the importance of an evidence-based approach to improve the access to services and support for potential victims of modern slavery. IOM UK has recently published some useful briefings, including a report looking for the first time at trafficking from Ireland to Northern Ireland.

In recent years, there has been growing discussion about the issue of human trafficking on the island of Ireland, with particular concern about movement between Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI). Despite this, there have been few studies or reports that seek to shed light on this issue, to better understand evidence, trends and responses to human trafficking on the island of Ireland.  IOM UK in coordination with IOM Ireland conducted research between November 2022 and April 2023 to explore these issues in more detail. The research looks at human trafficking around the island of Ireland, including from Northern Ireland to Ireland (north to south), but focuses primarily on movements from the south to the north.

• The report can be access here through the IOM UK website here – https://unitedkingdom.iom.int/news/iom-releases-report-human-trafficking-between-northern-ireland-and-ireland

• IOM UK has also conducted analysis of National Referral Mechanism data following the introduction of the Nationality and Border’s Act available here – https://unitedkingdom.iom.int/news/ioms-analysis-national-referral-mechanism-data-following-introduction-nationality-and-borders-act