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At the #EndPovertyDay gathering on October 17, 2024, at Dublin’s Famine Stone along the quays, members of RENATE and APT Ireland, including Brian O’Toole from the Presentation Sisters Justice Desk for Ireland & England, and Sr. Eilis Coe, RSC, addressed the profound connection between poverty and human trafficking. Sr. Eilis was one of eight speakers who shared testimonies of their lived experiences with poverty in Ireland, touching on issues of homelessness, addiction, and discrimination. Among the voices were migrants, Travellers, individuals in Direct Provision, and a Palestinian national.
Speaking on behalf of those impacted by human trafficking, Sr. Eilis highlighted that survivors often remain hidden in plain sight due to the trauma they’ve endured and the constant fear they live under. She noted the unique position of trafficking victims, unable to speak publicly about their experiences. Addressing the crowd, she emphasized the role of demand in perpetuating trafficking and spoke directly to the young attendees, urging them to be vigilant against manipulative tactics such as gifts, flattery, and attention. Her testimony underscored the urgency of standing up for those who cannot voice their experiences publicly.
Sr. Eilis’s powerful words resonated with attendees, many of whom were surprised to learn of the hidden realities of child trafficking in Ireland. Her message was clear: victims of human trafficking are among the most marginalized and vulnerable, often left furthest behind in society’s fight against poverty and exploitation.