MRCI Demands Law to Protect Victims of Forced Labour in Ireland

5 December 2011

Marking International Day for the Abolition of Slavery MRCI's Forced Labour Action Group staged a demonstration at the delay of the government in addressing the problem of forced labour.

MRCI is calling on Minister Alan Shatter to recognize 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 and this is only the tip of the ice berg.

At the event the Labour Party announced that they will be putting forward legislation on forced labour in the Dáil to address any loopholes in the law and make forced labour a crime.

See short video about MRCI protest outside Dail on 2 December 2011.

MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE PROTEST

The Irish Times (2 Dec 2011) Labour looks to UK on 'slavery' law

RTE (2 Dec 2011) Govt urged over forced labour legislation

SIPTU (2 Dec 2011) Victims of forced labour call for laws to halt the practice