Fight against human trafficking: Vienna discusses taboo topics and victim support

Fight against human trafficking: Vienna discusses taboo topics and victim support

The conference of the “Platform against Exploitation and Human Trafficking” recently took place in Vienna and celebrated its 10th anniversary. At the Juridicum, local aid organizations and international experts gathered to discuss topics such as sexual exploitation, forced marriage practices and the depressing situation of victims of human trafficking in Austria. This event is more relevant than ever because, despite applicable laws, there are still significant challenges for those affected.

Sr. Anna Mayrhofer, the leader of “Solwodi Austria”, broke the silence about the taboo topic of forced prostitution. She pointed out the massive difficulties that victims face in freeing themselves from their tormentors. Clients from third countries often do not have guaranteed residence status or access to the labor market. This often depends on their relevance as witnesses and thus limits their ability to escape and create a new life.

The challenges in the legal system

Maryam Alemi, legal advisor at Caritas of the Archdiocese of Vienna, highlights the importance of the victims' credibility for the authorities. Many of those affected are afraid to file criminal charges because the legal proceedings are extremely emotionally stressful. That's why what they had to go through often goes unheard. A central concern of the event was the unconditional right of those affected to medical care and a residence permit, even if they do not want to make a statement against their perpetrators.

The issue of human trafficking is also being looked at more intensively at the European level. In April 2024, the European Parliament passed an agreement that addresses the challenges in the fight against exploitation. Particular attention is paid to exploitation through surrogacy. Here violence and deception are recognized as a method to force women into this role. The aim of the agreement is to strengthen victims' rights and hold perpetrators accountable. Effective protection for those affected is essential, especially given the increase in digital crime, which further facilitates human trafficking.

Global perspectives and local actions

The discussions in Vienna also drew connections to global issues. Reinhard Heiserer from “Jugend Eine Welt” pointed out the precarious situation of children in developing countries, who are often exploited as workers in agriculture or industry. This reality is also directly related to the prosperity of developed countries and shows the importance of introducing effective supply chain law to hold companies accountable.

But it is not just the use of technology that leads to new forms of exploitation. Human trafficking is also a widespread problem in Germany. Women are exploited at home and abroad in industries such as catering, construction and even transport. It is often established networks of organized crime and, increasingly, women who act as accomplices.

Given these impressions, political pressure must continue to be maintained to bring about the necessary changes. The Platform Against Exploitation and Human Trafficking remains an important player in advancing international and local strategies to combat human trafficking.

More information about human trafficking and how to combat it can be found at katholisch.at, europarl.eu and hilfetelefon.de.