It is particularly common Trafficking in Human Beings is mixed up with smuggling and prostitutionEspecially when it comes to the rights of those affected, but also for an effective fight against Trafficking in Human Beings a distinction is important. In order to detect Trafficking in Human Beings our list of indicators also helps to recognize this. Indicators. 

Smuggling refers to the act of human trafficking, usually commissioned by a person themselves, Organization of irregular entry to a country where the person does not have legal residency status. This could include, for example, transportation services, the organization of (forged) documents, or accommodation. 

The smugglers thereby achieve a financial or material advantage. Here too sometimes deception and violence applied. The difference to Trafficking in Human Beings However, the fact is that the Profit from paid, organized border crossings and not – as with Trafficking in Human Beings – is beaten from the exploitation of the person. In addition, when Trafficking in Human Beings A border crossing is not necessarily required. However, it is possible that individuals may fall into exploitative situations after being smuggled, and thus also... Trafficking in Human Beings is present.

Trafficking in Human Beings for sexual exploitation must be distinguished from activity in prostitution. The practice of prostitution has been a legal right since the introduction of the Prostitution Act in 2002. legal activity in Deutschland. Trafficking in Human Beings For the purpose of sexual exploitation, it is a criminal offense..

A person engaged in prostitution who is self-determined can decide on working conditions and the practices offered. People who are... Trafficking in Human Beings Those affected by sexual exploitation cannot do that. Prostitutes Protection Act (ProstSchGThe law is intended to protect sex workers through increased regulation and control. However, it has been criticized by practitioners because it could lead to excessive control and stigmatization, and in some cases worsen the working conditions of sex workers. It was passed in June 2025. Evaluation of the ProstSchG published.

Many prostitutes work under precarious conditions and have an increased risk of being affected by violence to be. It is possible that people voluntarily choose prostitution, but are then forced to remain in it or cannot decide for themselves how they carry out their work.

There are ongoing debates about whether it makes sense to criminalize sex work or to make the demand for sexual services a punishable offense. However, criminalizing sex work does not protect the rights of those affected. Trafficking in Human BeingsEquating prostitution with sexual exploitation, Trafficking in Human Beings or gender-based violence does not do justice to the concerns of either sex workers or victims of violence. A constructive approach requires a human rights-based approach that strengthens the rights and self-determination of sex workers, while also providing comprehensive protection and support measures for victims of exploitation. Trafficking in Human Beings and ensures protection against gender-based violence.

KOK position paper on the debate about a ban on prostitution