Forced prostitution and trafficking in women for the purpose of sexual exploitation

26.5.2008

ORAL QUESTION WITH DEBATE O-0062/08
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

Within the framework of events it organised to mark International Women's Day on 8 March 2006, the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality launched a campaign to alert the public to the need to prevent and combat trafficking and forced prostitution during the FIFA World Cup 2006 championship.

 

This so-called 'Red Card to Forced Prostitution' campaign was a great success because it contributed positively towards reducing trafficking and forced prostitution during the championship. We should therefore raise public awareness again during the UEFA Euro 2008 Championship in June 2008 by reminding society that this kind of violence against women and girls is unacceptable. In 2005, the Commission and the Council adopted an EU plan on best practices, standards and procedures for combating and preventing trafficking in human beings (2005/C 311/01). It includes a detailed table of specific actions to be regularly reviewed and updated. We urge Member States to implement the action plan immediately, because there is already a delay. Since this action plan covers all forms of trafficking in human beings, it calls for a coordinated policy in related areas, such as the inclusion of gender-specific prevention strategies as a key element to combat trafficking in women and girls, as well as awareness-raising measures and an evaluation of their effectiveness, etc.

 

– Has the action plan been implemented regarding trafficking for sexual exploitation, what is the result and how effective has it been? What specific measures have been reported by Member States in order to combat trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation?

 

– To what extent have Member States correctly transposed and implemented Directive 2004/81/EC[1]? What actions has the Commission taken if this is not the case?

 

– When will the study on the links between the legislation on prostitution and the extent of trafficking in women and girls for the purpose of sexual exploitation, requested by the European Parliament Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality since January 2006, be available?

 

– Can the Commission indicate if and how it intends to encourage Member States to build on and further develop cross-border police cooperation in the field of the fight against trafficking in human beings and forced prostitution?

 

– How can the Commission support the Committee's 'Red Card to Forced Prostitution' campaign?

 

 

Tabled: 26.05.2008

Forwarded: 28.05.2008

Deadline for reply: 04.06.2008

 

• [1]  OJ L 261, 6.8.2004, p. 3.