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No Rise in Human Trafficking in Germany Due to World Cup

July 15, 2006

Police and activists cited as helping to limit exploitation. ¹

Despite dire warnings from activists, researchers say the World Cup competition in Germany hasn't brought a spike in human trafficking or forced prostitution. Prostitution is legal in Germany. And before the soccer tournament started, trafficking experts warned that thousands of foreign women would be forced into sex work. But early research by a Geneva-based nonprofit group and Sweden's aid agency indicates that hasn't happened. The International Organization for Migration and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency say German police and activists helped limit the exploitation. The researchers say the findings are based on reports from police both inside and outside Germany. Researchers say German authorities boosted raids on sex shops and brothels ahead of the World Cup. The European Union, the U-S and the Vatican had pressured Germany to act. 

¹ Source: Associated Press. "Report: No rise in human trafficking in Germany due to World Cup."  http://www.wwaytv3.com/Global/story.asp?S=5111775&nav=menu70_2