Trafficking in Human Beings and the 2006 World Cup in Germany
This study was published by International Organisation for Migration (IOM) with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and was conducted between June and 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 for sexual exploitation increased during the World Cup 2006.
In summary, the main findings were:
- 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.
- It is also possible that the characteristics of the fan-base at the 2006 World Cup had an impact on the demand for sexual services. Many of the fans were women or families with children. Further research is needed to explore any such link.
- Moreover, trafficking in human beings is a process that requires prior logistics and investment on the part of the traffickers – possibly a short and one-time event like the World Cup in Germany was not perceived as sufficiently profitable for the traffickers in this respect.
You can download this 54 page PDF resource above. This resource is in English.
