CHURCH OF IRELAND PRESS OFFICE
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 Press Officer Brian Parker (M): 07775 927 807

PRESS RELEASE

11 May 2004

TRAFFICKING IN WOMEN SHAMES EUROPE’S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD

Trafficking in women is one of the most dramatic human rights violations in Europe, said Ms Andrea Wills, speaking today at the Church of Ireland General Synod in Armagh.

Referring to the Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe report entitled ‘Action and networking against Trafficking in Women’ which was presented to the European Parliament in Brussels, Ms Wills, from the Diocese of Tuam said: “Young women in Eastern European countries are being tricked by promises of better lifestyles in countries like Sweden and Germany where they end up with no identities and being used as prostitutes.”

Commenting on the new enlarged European Union, Ms Wills continued: “The integration of refugees in Ireland is a two-way street and inclusive of both communities, host and guest.

“If host and guest are more informed about each other’s cultures, perhaps real integration and not assimilation can begin. We must learn about Christianity and what it means to those who are ethnically different to ourselves. A vision of racial harmony is needed.”

“More Eastern Europeans will come to our shores. There will be even more scope for welcoming policies in our churches. Where all accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, we should experience a real community with cultural diversity.”

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