The KOK e.V. – the German NGO Network against Trafficking in Human Beings – has published its new data report to mark the European Day against Trafficking in Human Beings on October 18. The data, collected by specialised counselling centres for trafficked persons, provides important insights into the counseling practice in Germany.
In 2023, 702 cases of trafficking in human beings were documented by specialist counseling centers, 597 of which were released for data analysis. Of those affected, 87 percent are female. Sexual exploitation remains the most common form of trafficking in human beings, followed by labor exploitation. The report shows that 34 percent of those affected are between 22 and 29 years old, and 48 percent come from West African countries.
Data from the field complements crime statistics
The data from the specialised counseling centres significantly contributes to expanding the knowledge of trafficking in human beings and exploitation in Germany. While the Federal Criminal Police Office's annual status report lists cases where investigations were initiated and concluded, the data from the counselling centres covers a broader spectrum of cases.
“The specialised counselling centres also support many clients who are unwilling or unable to contact criminal prosecution authorities. The KOK data reports also pursue a human rights focus: The available data can be used to assess the extent to which those affected by trafficking in human beings are actually able to claim the rights to which they are entitled and where improvements in the implementation of these rights are needed,” explains Margarete Muresan, KOK board member and head of the counselling centre IN VIA Berlin-Brandenburg.
Cooperation with the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings
This year marks an important cooperation between KOK and the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings at the German Institute for Human Rights. Every year, starting in 2024, KOK provides datasets based on key dates to complete the picture of trafficking in human beings and exploitation in Germany. The first report of the National Rapporteur, Monitor Trafficking in Human Beings in Germany for the years 2020 to 2022, will also be published to coincide with the European Day against Trafficking in Human Beings in 2024.
“Policymakers are increasingly relying on data collection and analysis to combat trafficking in human beings and protect trafficked persons. Our cooperation makes it easier to combine civil society data with administrative data to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the problem,” says Sophia Wirsching, Executive Director of KOK.
Demand: Ensure Funding for Specialised Counselling Centres!
On the occasion of the European Day against Trafficking in Human Beings, KOK is calling for secure funding for specialised counselling centres. In light of the continued high demand for support for trafficked persons, counselling centres must be provided with sufficient resources. Only with adequate funding can they continue their vital work in protecting trafficked persons and ensuring long-term sustainability.
