The story of MECPATHS - Mercy Efforts for Child Protection from Trafficking with the Hospitality and Services Sector)

Introduction

MECPATHS (Mercy Efforts for Child Protection from Trafficking with the Hospitality and Services Sector) was originally established in 2013 in response to the emergence of Child Trafficking as a growing human rights and social justice issue in Ireland. 

JP O'Sullivan, Project Manager of MECPATHS and he shares the story.

Know It, See It, Say It

What began as a modest initiative in 2012 focused solely on partnering with Ireland's hotel industry has since expanded into a vast nationwide movement.

MECPATHS holds a unique position as Ireland’s principal non-governmental response dedicated exclusively to anti-child trafficking education and advocacy. Guided by its ethos, "Know It, See It, Say It," the organization equips frontline and emerging professionals with the critical knowledge needed to recognize, report, and prevent child exploitation.

Today, MECPATHS’ reach extends far beyond hospitality to encompass private security, healthcare providers, social work, youth and community services, and major higher education institutions across Ireland. Through tailored university curricula, digital modules, and sector-wide partnerships, MECPATHS has trained tens of thousands of professionals to identify hidden indicators of trafficking.

As child trafficking remains a complex and often hidden human rights crisis in Ireland, MECPATHS occupies a crucial, distinctive role at the intersection of civil society, frontline industry, and public policy. By transforming passive awareness into active protection, it ensures that services across the country are equipped to safeguard vulnerable children.

Below are two reflections from Mary Ryan RSM and Patricia O’ Donovan RSM on the foundations of MECPATHS and their involvement in bringing it to life:

Mary Ryan RSM

MECPATHS emerged not from a single moment, but as a direct outcome of years of anti-trafficking work with Ruhama and Act to Prevent Trafficking (APT).

Deeply concerned by the widespread child trafficking and sexual exploitation occurring within the hospitality and airline industries, the founder joined Sr. Sheila O'Gorman RSM (Chair of APT) in September 2012 to develop an initiative engaging the Mercy Sisters.

The MECPATHS initial strategy focused on three pillars: engaging the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), training Sisters to visit hotels, and creating educational presentations on recognizing and reporting child trafficking.

Following insights gained at the 2013 UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York, the Mercy Sisters formally committed to investing in and supporting the ministry.

Sr. Denise Boyle FMM was hired to lead the project, securing authorization from the IHF President to work directly with hoteliers and regional managers. When Sr. Denise transitioned to Mercy International in 2017, Ann Mara and J.P. O'Sullivan were recruited to take over.

Bringing extensive backgrounds in development, technology, and communications, they modernized the initiative by replacing time-consuming in-person visits with an efficient online training course integrated into standard staff onboarding.

This digital shift triggered exponential growth. MECPATHS expanded well beyond hotels into various sectors, providing awareness and training to Tusla, the Taxi Association, healthcare professionals, and the Garda, establishing an award-winning model for anti-trafficking education.

Patricia O' Donovan RSM: My experience of the emergence of MECPATHS

I am sure we all can recall moments where we were shocked, appalled, horrified by something we heard or read.

In 2013 I, along with Sr. Mary Ryan,  had the privilege of attending the 57th Commission on the Status of Women Conference held at United Nations in New York. The theme that year was ‘Elimination and Prevention of all forms of Violence against Women and Girls.’ 

I remember one hotel manager from a prominent worldwide hotel chain painting a picture of Child Trafficking, particularly within the hospitality sector. As he began to peel back the layers, I felt a myriad of emotions.  I thought of my own nieces and nephews who were very young at the time and I was so grateful that they were safe and protected.

However, I was sickened to the core by the thought that other children their age were being exploited. 

A door was being opened into a world which highlighted this heinous crime of trafficking children for exploitation and if children are being trafficked in the US, children are being trafficked in Ireland. Something within me awakened as I heard the passion of those who were advocating against child trafficking. Who more than vulnerable children need our courage and compassion to speak out for them and to advocate on their behalf? 

The seeds of MECPATHS were planted at that conference back in March 2013.  On 30th July last, the World Day Against Human Trafficking, I attended a Conference in Cork entitled ‘Technology and Human Trafficking’. Thirteen years later it is most heartening to know that MECPATHS has been most instrumental in elevating the issue of child trafficking into national mainstream discussions. 

Mercy is the call, the charism and heritage, Which forms and reforms our lives. It enables us to……. reach out with courage and compassion…

[Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy Constitution, 3]

Editor’s Note: Thank you to JP, Mary and Patricia for sharing the story of MECPATHS. It' incredible to see what has come from a an idea that took root at a conference.

MECPATHS logo used with permission.