Join the fight against modern day slavery!
To mark the Turn Off the Red Light Campaign 100 Days of Action, Tearfund Ireland and the Young Women’s Christian Association of Ireland (YWCA Ireland) in cooperation with the Evangelical Alliance of Ireland are calling on our members and supporters to take action and join the fight against modern day slavery (human trafficking).
A $32 billion industry, human trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the world. (1)It preys on the weak and the vulnerable, those trapped in poverty and marginalisation. The latest Global Slavery Index released last week estimates that there are 45.8 million people trapped in modern day slavery around the world and 800 on our very own island of Ireland.(2) One of the main reasons human beings are trafficked is for sexual exploitation (3). Men, women and children become trapped in prostitution and are forced to live a life where they are consistently exposed to horrific conditions including violence and exploitation.
The Turn Off the Red Light campaign seeks to end this slavery by lobbying the Irish Government to pass and implement the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill This legislation will criminalise the purchase of sex in Ireland and decriminalise the people trapped in prostitution. Furthermore, the legislation will send a strong message to human traffickers that Ireland is no longer an easy destination country and will not tolerate the buying and selling of human beings.
Tearfund Ireland, YWCA Ireland and the Evangelical Alliance, along with many other organisations, believe that the selling and trading of human life for the purpose of sex, labour or any other purpose is an attack on human dignity. As faith based organisations we believe that sex trafficking degrades and destroys human lives that are made in the image of God and that our Biblical mandate as Christians compels us to care for the vulnerable, weak and exploited, to be a voice for the voiceless a voice for for all those trapped in a life of slavery.
Sex trafficking would not exist if there was no demand (4). To this end, Tearfund Ireland, YWCA Ireland and the Evangelical Alliance are calling on our members and supporters to help end demand and by doing so join the fight against modern day slavery.
Take Action!
- Call on local politicians, TDs and Senators to support the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill. For more information on how to do this, visit the Turn Off the Red Light Action Page
- Pray for the vulnerable and marginalised women, children and men trapped in prostitution in Ireland and throughout the world
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
1) International Labour Office, Geneva
2) Global Slavery Index 2016, Walk Free Foundation
3) Swedish government report SOU 2010:49: The Ban against the Purchase of Sexual Services. An evaluation 1999-2008
4) UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons Feb 2009