Ms Leina Ibnouf:

On human trafficking, there are multiple reasons for this. First, victims will not be familiar with the law in Ireland, how to approach gardaí, what to say and do, and how to protect themselves. They are completely unaware. There is no advocacy from the solicitors to address this problem. For example, if a woman affected by trafficking comes to a Garda station, which is very rare, she will not find staff who specialise in human trafficking. She will usually encounter junior sergeants who are not aware of the issue or how to deal with it. As Dr. Mbugua said, there is a lack of cultural competency. Therefore the victim I referred to will feel she is not listened to. She has been humiliated, rejected and is in danger. It is most likely that her case will not proceed to the next step, which is the decision to legally prosecute. This sends a message to other people who are suffering and are victims of this crime that there is no hope and no point in trying. The victim is risking her life by being up-front about her case. It is a very sensitive and delicate issue to deal with. The victims really lack support. They are completely isolated. They do not have financial independence and do not know the law or who to approach. Even gardaí are not equipped to deal with their needs and complaints. Therefore, unfortunately, because gangs are involved, it is most likely that a victim who is successful in bringing her case to light will be killed, at some stage, in trafficking. That is why we do not have whole A-to-Z procedure for human trafficking cases. The process is always cut short, for one reason or another. Perhaps Dr. Mbugua, who has expertise in this area, can add to that.