Trafficking in human beings and the 2006 World Cup in Germany

Draft Report

By: Hennig J, Craggs S, Larsson F & Laczko F
Published by: International Organization for Migraion (IOM), SIDA. September 2006

Prior to the World Cup in Germany in 2006, there was considerable international concern that this event would contribute to a sharp increase in trafficking for sexual exploitation. Media reports suggested that prostitution would increase and that up to 40,000 women might be trafficked. This report investigates whether the number of victims of human trafficking (VoT) for sexual exploitation increased during the World Cup 2006 in Germany. The study also examines the measures taken by the authorities and NGO community in Germany, before and during the World Cup to prevent human trafficking.

The study was conducted between June and September 2006. Research included a systematic review of media and statistical sources, an analysis of previous large-scale events and their impact on trafficking, and in-depth interviews with representatives of key agencies responsible for combating human trafficking in Germany. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted in total; with six experts from the relevant departments of German Länder Criminal Police Offices or the City Police Offices of selected World Cup Cities and ten in-depth expert interviews with civil society organisations (street work and assistance to victims of THB). In addition to the analysis of the situation in Germany, information on trends in connection with the World Cup was gathered in cooperation with IOM missions