News Archive

Victims of forced labour call for laws to halt the practice

Date Released: 02 December 2011

Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) staged a demonstration today (2nd December) outside Leinster House to highlight government failure to adequately address the problem of forced labour.

The protest, by the MRCI’s Forced Labour Action Group, marked the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. The MRCI is calling on Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, to recognise forced labour as a crime so that victims can be protected.

Forced labour is an extreme form of exploitation and involves deception, coercion, threats or actual physical harm, and debt bondage.   It is a growing problem in Ireland.  MRCI has dealt with 160 cases of forced labour over the last six years.  

MRCI spokeswoman, Gráinne O’Toole, said; “In a recession forced labour flourishes and becomes harder to detect.  The failure of the state to bring in a law that makes forced labour a crime sends a strong message to employers that treating people as virtual slaves will be tolerated. In effect, it gives employers a green light to exploit workers. A law is needed to break the chain of forced labour in Ireland.” 

Anele Jackiel of the MRCI’s Forced Labour Action Group said; “I experienced forced labour at the hands of my former employer in Ireland. I am protesting today to show the public what is happening to workers and to ask the government to act. We need a law against forced labour to ensure that victims of forced labour are protected and have the confidence to come forward and report this crime.”

Speaking at the protest Muhummad Younis said; “I have been away from my family for nine years. I put up with abuse and threats from my employer. I have been fighting for justice for the last two years yet the government have not yet heard my plea. I will not stop until the law protects victims of forced labour.”

Gráinne O’ Toole added, “The government is in breach of Irish and international law by failing to put in place a law against forced labour. We call on the Minister Shatter to bring in this law urgently and protect the victims of this heinous crime.