APT Ireland members Noreen O’ Shea, OLCGS, and Ms. Lynda Kelly, APT’s cAPTives Programme Coordinator, together with Winifred Doherty, OLCGS, were delighted to be a part of this year’s event @CorkAHT marking #WorldDayAgainstTraffickinginPersons, with the launch of the Frederick Douglass exhibition at 5 Camden Place, Cork city.  Cllr. Dan Boyle, Lord Mayor of Cork officiated at the launch, as did representatives form Cork City Library.

This year’s theme – Leave no Child Behind – prompted us to examine issues  surrounding  vulnerability and exploitation. Speaking  on child trafficking in Ireland , JP O’ Sullivan from MECPATHS Ireland,  highlighted the interconnected nature of these two themes, discussing  children whose lives are fractured by adults and communities.  Many victims of  Human trafficking including children are compelled to commit crimes by gangs and then arrested if caught, instead of being protected. This only adds to their trauma.

The overall message on the day was that an important shift is needed in how we feel, think and the language we use regarding children involved in adult crime.

Congratulations to all the team at CorkAHT!