Forced prostitution in the framework of world sports events
27.1.2006
ORAL QUESTION WITH DEBATE O-0006/06
pursuant to Rule 108 of the Rules of Procedure
by Anna Záborská, on behalf of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality
to the Commission
Events such as the Olympic Games or international sports events, exhibitions and congresses are said to provoke increased demands for prostitution and sexual services. Most of the women concerned are victims of organised crime, often deceived by false promises of legitimate work and then forced to work as prostitutes. Although there are no clear figures as to how many women will be trafficked and forced to work as prostitutes in the upcoming football tournament, human rights organisations in Europe fear that trafficking of women and forced prostitution will significantly increase during the event.
The Declaration on Sports adopted in Nice in December 2000 calls upon the Community institutions to take account of the educational values of sport in their actions, and demands that the social and cultural dimensions of sport should feature more prominently in national and Community policies.
- Does the Commission intend to propose any particular initiatives within its field of competence?
- Do current strategies against trafficking include sports events? What strategies does the Commission, together with the Member States, intend to propose to fight forced prostitution and trafficking linked to sports and its social function?
- How does the Commission, in close collaboration with the Member States and other international bodies, intend to implement its action plan with immediate effect, to fight forced prostitution?
- Are there any strategies in case victims are afraid of cooperating with public authorities? Does the Commission agree that these victims need better legal protection?
- How can the Commission support women's organisations in this fight?
Tabled: 27.01.2006
Forwarded: 31.01.2006
Deadline for reply: 07.02.2006