The Global Sisters Report has recently published a powerful article reflecting on two decades of anti-trafficking work by Act to Prevent Trafficking Ireland (APT), a sister-led organisation that has been at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking in Ireland since its foundation in 2005.
The piece recounts how APT was born from a moment of profound conviction when a group of sisters, moved by a presentation on child sex slavery, resolved to take action against this grave injustice. From those early meetings, APT Ireland has worked tirelessly to raise awareness, influence policymakers, and support efforts to identify and protect victims of trafficking.
Over the last 20 years, APT members have witnessed significant changes in the Irish context, from increased recognition of Ireland as both a destination and transit country for trafficked people, to the establishment of formal anti-trafficking mechanisms within the Department of Justice and Equality, and specialist training for female detectives dealing with trafficking cases.
While the organisation estimates that more than 1,000 people are currently trapped in modern-day slavery in Ireland, their work has also helped bring the issue into public and political consciousness and strengthen networking with international anti-trafficking movements. APT has been involved in awareness-raising initiatives in schools and communities and continues advocacy aimed at improving victim identification and prevention strategies.
Importantly, the article also highlights APT’s role in wider networks, including RENATE, where it helped foster collaborative action across Europe, and Talitha Kum, the global network of sisters committed to ending human trafficking.
This Global Sisters Report feature honours the vision and persistence of the sisters and volunteers behind APT Ireland, reminding us that, while progress has been made, continued vigilance, education, and solidarity are essential in the ongoing fight to eliminate human trafficking.
Read the article in full, here.
Photos courtesy of Mr. Brian O’Toole, RENATE and APT Ireland