Brief Report Mercy Global Action—Trafficking Ireland, June 2014
June 23, 2014
Act to Prevent Trafficking (APT) comprising women & men religious from 27 congregations continues to carry out its main objectives
• Raise awareness
• Advocacy for change in present legislation
• Networking with Religious in Europe (RENATE)
• Networking with missionaries & returned missionaries in & from Africa
1. APT is pleased to say that the Irish Hierarchy are now committed to take up the issue of Trafficking and have requested APT to prepare information pack for Bishops’ June meeting.
Members of the group have given presentations in two dioceses to Priest’s Assemblies .
It is intended to appoint a representative in each diocese who will work with the Justice & Peace committees to reach the grassroots. Apt will be involved in training the appointed personnel in each diocese.
2. Recently our Minister of Justice resigned his office & has been replaced by former Minister for Children –a woman. We are presently lobbying that she continue the work of her predecessor and introduce the Nordic Model which he was seriously considering following long consultation with interested groups.
We continue our work with schools, colleges, universities and large organisations like Vincent de Paul & Irish Country Womens’ Association (ICA) etc.
3. Schools are now becoming very aware. There is input at official curriculum level. Three Mercy Secondary schools recently made headlines with projects on Trafficking and related topics at a national competition for Young Social Innovators (YSI).
-Mercy College, Ennis, Co. Clare took top award with project “Beware I.T” with the aim to educate young people of increasing dangers associated with internet usage.
-Mount Mercy, Cork was highly recommended with its project “Sexual Assault must halt”.
-St. Mary’s Mallow, Co Cork was also highly commended for its project “STOP” (Stop trafficking of people). This group received a grant to print their beautifully produced and colourful information booklet for their school and neighbouring schools in the town. They really raised awareness through public events e g. 5 k Colour Run involving students, parents and members of public, Coffee morning & Cake Sale, Walk about Town displaying their placards “ Stop”. This drew much attention and various questions for explanations.
4. The work of MECPATH continues to grow & expand through the dedication and commitment of Denise and the young woman Ruth about to replace her as manager of the campaign. The Twelve Mercy Volunteers continue training and visiting hotels around the country.
Mary Ryan rsm
