Mayo Intercultural Action is joining the Turn Off the Red Light campaign to end exploitation, abuse and trafficking by targeting the buyers of sex.
The group which has been working since 2004 to welcome and support migrants living in Mayo is the 68th member of the national campaign.
Michelle Rooney of Mayo Intercultural Action said: “We are joining the Turn Off the Red Light campaign to ensure that politicians across Mayo get the message that urgent action is needed to end the abuse being carried out by organised crime figures against women and girls. As an organisation we have carefully studied the aims of the campaign, and we believe that reducing demand for prostitution is by far the most effective way to deal with the pimps and traffickers. The figures for the crimes which are being carried out are staggering, 800 women are placed for sale online in Ireland everyday while the Criminal Assets Bureau estimates that those behind the ‘trade’ are making about €200m a year. Our participation comes at an important time in the campaign as TDs and senators are deciding the future of Irish prostitution law. We will be asking all local politicians to support new laws and stand up to the criminals.”
Welcoming the announcement, Denise Charlton, chief executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland said: “We are delighted that Mayo Intercultural Ireland is joining us at this key moment. It joins other new partners including Chambers Ireland, the Union of Students of Ireland and Sinn Féin which supported our campaign at its Ard Fheis in Castlebar. The 68 organisations which make up our campaign include doctors, nurses, farmers, businesses, communications workers, public servants and groups like the Girl Guides, the ICA . Mayo has always been a stronghold for us and through its involvement Mayo Intercultural Action will be able to keep the pressure on local politicians to deliver real results.”
