Statement on human trafficking and forced prostitution
On behalf of the five million men and women worldwide represented in their organisations, the executive bodies of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, and its European arm the European Transport Workers’ Federation, express their total support for women’s groups and trade unions both inside and outside Germany, who are campaigning against the forced prostitution of women and girls during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in June and July this year.
The ITF and the ETF are seriously concerned about media reports that 40,000 women are being brought into Germany for the sex trade during the World Cup, and that a high percentage of these women will have been duped or forced into prostitution. Reports indicate that an annual estimated number of 600,000 to 800,000 people fall victim of trafficking, of which 80% are women and girls and 50% are minors. In the European Union alone, every year 100,000 women are victims of trafficking. These women leave their countries in the hope of finding a better life, but become victims of deception, fraud, intimidation, isolation and violence.
The ITF and the ETF recognise the key role that transport workers play; not only in contributing to the overall success of the FIFA tournament, but also by being in daily contact with thousands of football fans. They therefore call upon affiliated unions to add their voices to campaigning against sexual exploitation at international sporting events, by taking the following action:
- By campaigning in the weeks immediately before the 2006 World Cup for a ZERO TOLERANCE approach to trafficking and forced prostitution,
- By asking transport union members who come into contact with football fans travelling in connection with this sports event to pass on the message that women and girls have been forced into prostitution, and that clients of the sex trade in Germany this summer risk participating directly in this form of exploitation,
- By distributing publicity and materials about the campaign.
In addition, the ITF and the ETF reaffirm that the two organisations condemn all forms of inequality and exploitation. Not only will they continue to oppose human trafficking and sexual abuse, but they will also go on to examine the broader role of the transport industry and of its workers in combating these form of exploitation in Europe and worldwide.
David Cockroft
ITF General Secretary
Eduardo Chagas
ETF General Secretary
