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The public have an important role to play in the fight against human trafficking, Justice Minister David Ford has said. 

 Men, women and children are being trafficked into and across Ireland as part of this evil trade and the Minister urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.

The Department of Justice has today joined forces with the Department of Justice and Law Reform in Dublin to raise public awareness of human trafficking across Ireland.

At Stormont, Justice Minister David Ford joined by a representative from the police and the UK Human Trafficking Centre, launched the Blue Blindfold campaign. It will run across Northern Ireland for the next three months while in Dublin, Minister Dermot Ahern began a public information campaign.

In launching the Blue Blindfold campaign, which will include radio, outdoor, press and internet advertisements, Justice Minister David Ford encouraged people to open their eyes to human trafficking.

He said: “It is difficult to accept that this form of modern day slavery is happening in Northern Ireland. I hope this campaign helps to open eyes to this heinous crime and that people realise it could be happening in a location near them.”

The Minister appealed to anyone with suspicions of human trafficking in Northern Ireland to report their concerns anonymously to Crimestoppers on:

0800 555 111.
David Ford continued: “The campaign also encourages the public to visit the Blue Blindfold website where they can find out more information on what human trafficking is, how to spot the signs and what to do to stop it.”

David Ford concluded: “I welcome the opportunity for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to launch campaigns on this important issue at the same time. Human trafficking knows no borders and it is important that we work together to highlight and detect this crime.”

Launching the campaign in the Republic of Ireland, which includes press advertisements and the distribution of posters and leaflets, Minister Ahern stated: “The trafficking of human beings for sexual and/or labour exploitation or the removal of organs is a most serious offence that has no place across the island of Ireland. We are very committed to taking a strong approach to jointly combating this crime and urge all members of the public to assist us in this task.”