The severity of human trafficking will be in the spotlight today at the launch of a nationwide publicity campaign.
Despite Ireland's being ranked as a low-risk destination for victims, the initiative is expected to heighten awareness among local communities of the effects of the horrifying crime.
The programme, spearheaded by the Gardaí in conjunction with Crimestoppers, will mirror an operation which brought police forces and other agencies in the UK together to tackle the growing problem of the trafficking.
“While only a small number of such incidents have come to light in this jurisdiction, few criminal acts can match trafficking in human beings in terms of its abusive nature,” said a garda spokesman.
“An Garda Síochana continue to roll out programmes and operations aimed at tackling this activity and enjoys close operational cooperation with law enforcement agencies in our neighbouring countries, throughout the EU and beyond.”
The poster and leaflet campaign will be officially launched by the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell.