Trafficking in human beings and the 2006 World Cup in Germany

Based on research between June and September 2006, this report investigates whether there is any evidence to suggest that the number of victims of trafficking (VoT) for sexual exploitation increased during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. It intends to help formulate recommendations to combat trafficking during similar major events in the future and to provide an important tool for policymakers and relevant authorities and NGOs.

The authors find that all data, information and expert statements that are available to date strongly indicate that an increase in human trafficking did not occur either during or after the World Cup. It is concluded that the estimate of 40,000 women expected to be trafficked was unfounded and unrealistic. The current number of known victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation in Germany is around 1,000 persons per year. However, the full scale of trafficking remains relatively unknown and only partly reflected in official statistics.

Key recommendations include:

• major sporting events may present a good opportunity for future public awareness raising and advocacy campaigns. An early and reliable situation assessment in cooperation with local experts is extremely important

• organisations should further avoid using valuable resources for counter-trafficking measures solely within the context of major events. All campaigns and projects should thus be launched with a view to their sustainability

• practical assistance to victims of trafficking, effective transnational investigation and prosecution, as well as dealing with the causes of THB in countries of origin should not be neglected

• information campaigns are important, but can never in themselves constitute the sole and effective solution to modern slavery.