In September, the European Parliament adopted a resolution recognizing prostitution as a form of violence against women and other vulnerable groups—a form of violence that cannot be effectively addressed as long as procuring and buying sex remain legal. The resolution encourages member states to follow the example of countries like Sweden and France by criminalizing… Read more »
In the beginning of November, it was time for the EU’s autumn conference and meetings for civil society organizations and national rapporteurs in Brussels. The Commission and the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator hosted the events, but the country holding the presidency left its mark. This term, the presidency was held by Spain, a country that in… Read more »
In 2023, the EU faces a crossroads with a chance to strengthen its work against trafficking. Europe remains divided on views of prostitution, and many stakeholders aim to influence the EU’s anti-trafficking efforts, as these two harmful phenomena are closely interconnected. The shared tool is the EU’s 2011 anti-trafficking directive, which introduced a holistic approach… Read more »
As part of Sweden’s presidency in the EU, a two-day conference on human trafficking was held on March 29-30, focusing on addressing the demand that drives exploitation. The conference brought together European ministers, delegates, experts from civil society, representatives from international organizations, and survivors to discuss models that can be used to prevent human trafficking… Read more »
On March 29-30, Sweden, as the EU’s presiding country, gathers European ministers, delegates, and experts in Stockholm for a two-day conference on human trafficking. We, women’s organizations from various countries, welcome the Swedish government’s pledge to intensify the work of preventing and combating prostitution and human trafficking within and beyond Sweden’s borders. Human trafficking is… Read more »
The EU’s 2011 Anti-Trafficking Directive1 has been instrumental in preventing and addressing human trafficking across Europe. Following an evaluation, the European Commission proposed on December 19, 2022, a strengthening of these regulations, aiming to equip law enforcement and judicial bodies with enhanced tools to investigate and prosecute emerging forms of exploitation. The Commission’s proposal includes,… Read more »
In connection with the EU Anti-trafficking day on October 18th RealStars engaged not only online and with Auction Against Trafficking and held political discussions, but we also collaborated with bars and restaurants along Andra Långgatan in Gothenburg! This year we introduced a new concept tailored to the bar and restaurant environment. The concept involved bars… Read more »
European Network of Migrant Women’s latest report, shows that there is a lot missing in the support and care inventions for female migrants in Europe, and that they are also especially vulnerable to being exposed to sexual exploitation. Just like many in commercial sexual exploitation, migrant women are suffering from a high degree of posttraumatic… Read more »
As autumn arrives, it’s the perfect time to clear out your closet. Maybe find a new home for that unused lamp in the corner? Many of us have things tucked away in our wardrobes or attics – nice items we just don’t use. This past June, with the support of Therése Lindgren, Linda Pira, Otto… Read more »
In June 2021, the OSCE released the important report Discouraging the Demand that Fosters Trafficking for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation. Unlike similar reports from intergovernmental organizations, this report places a stronger emphasis on demand as a root cause of sexual exploitation. Notably, RealStars’ campaign For Fair Sex is highlighted in the section on Sweden…. Read more »
