The work against prostitution and trafficking in human beings must be strengthened
The police and the rest of the judicial system need level up their work, and the protection of vulnerable groups must be improved. These are some of the findings in our new report on prostitution and trafficking in human beings.
The police report fewer crimes where victims are exploited in prostitution and human trafficking. At the same time, there are several shortcomings in the support vulnerable people are entitled to.
"Children and young people are at risk of being sexually exploited for payment in more and more arenas. In many places in Sweden there is a cynical exploitation of foreign workers on the labour market. The knowledge gaps are still large, and the possibility of receiving support as a crime victim largely depends on where you live", says Sofie Kindahl, advisor at the Swedish Gender Equality Agency.
Five recommendations to strengthen the work
In June 2021, the Swedish Gender Equality Agency was given the assignment to strengthen the work to combat the sexual exploitation of children, prostitution, and trafficking in human beings.
The agency notes a number of deficiencies in the support and protection process for child and adult victims of trafficking in human beings, and presents recommendations in five areas:
- Level up the work within the legal system
- Increase and develop knowledge
- Develop the support for the victims of exploitation
- Strengthen the governance regarding prostitution and trafficking for human beings
- Grant the regional coordinators and the The National Coordination Against Prostitution and Trafficking in Human Beings (NSPM) long-term funding.
Publication date: 21 March 2024
Last updated: 11 June 2024