Accelerated Enactment of the Nationwide Strategy to Combate Trafficking of People
On the International Day against Human Trafficking, Denise Loop and Marlene Schönberger, in their respective roles, made a public declaration to address the pressing issue of human trafficking in Germany.
Denise Loop, a spokesperson for education, family, seniors, and youth, and Marlene Schönberger, a member of the Interior Committee, called for urgent attention to the issue, highlighting the significantly higher dark figure of human trafficking cases in the country.
According to their declaration, in 2023, 702 cases of human trafficking were documented in German counseling centers, with sexual exploitation being the most common form of abuse. The victims are predominantly women, children, and youth.
The federal government is responsible for implementing the National Action Plan against Human Trafficking, adopted at the end of last year. The plan, containing 126 measures, aims to combat human trafficking effectively. However, its implementation has yet to begin in full.
The lack of a national coordination center to coordinate the fight against human trafficking at the federal level is a concern. Additionally, the restrictive border policy of the federal government does not protect against human trafficking but may inadvertently promote it. Faster asylum procedures at the borders increase the risk that victims of human trafficking will not be recognized and referred to support centers.
Another issue is the lack of safe escape routes for those seeking protection, which forces them into the hands of human traffickers. The reporting office on human trafficking at the German Institute for Human Rights needs a legal basis to ensure long-term data collection for better protection of victims.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, which developed the National Action Plan against human trafficking, is primarily responsible for its implementation in the German federal government. However, the plan has no legal basis due to its absence in the coalition agreement.
The declaration made by Loop and Schönberger on International Day against Human Trafficking, which fell on July 30th, was likely related to raising awareness, advocacy, or policy proposals to combat human trafficking. The declaration underscores the urgent need for action to protect the most vulnerable members of society from this heinous crime.
