U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Germany
| Publisher | United States Department of State |
| Author | Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons |
| Publication Date | 12 July 2001 |
| Cite as | United States Department of State, U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Germany, 12 July 2001, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4680d76223.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Germany (Tier 1)
Germany is primarily a transit and destination country for women and girls trafficked from Ukraine, Poland, Russia, and other states of the former Soviet Union and Central Europe for purposes of sexual exploitation. Victims often are trafficked through Germany to other EU countries.
The Government meets the minimum standards to combat trafficking in persons. The law specifically prohibits trafficking in persons, and the penalty for trafficking is commensurate with those for rape or sexual assault. The Government actively investigates and prosecutes cases of trafficking. According to the Federal Office for Criminal Investigation, 257 cases of trafficking were investigated at federal and state levels in 1999. Of those, 176 cases were prosecuted, which resulted in 133 convictions. The federal government provides specialized training to police on trafficking. The Federal Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women, and Youth (Family Ministry) heads the Interagency Working Group on Trafficking in Women. The Family Ministry also provides support to the Coordination Network's (abbreviated KOK in German) work with victims' assistance. KOK is an umbrella organization of 30 NGO's working on trafficking. Victims of trafficking are granted a 4-week grace period during which they are allowed access to services and shelter. Officials are required to notify a cooperating NGO and secure the services of a counselor for the victim. A victim can be deported after 4 weeks if the victim is not willing or able to testify against the perpetrator. In this case, the victim is deported with the help of a cooperating NGO in the country of origin. The Government, through its embassies, disseminates information brochures about German residency and work permit requirements, women's crisis centers, health care, and the threat of trafficking. Additionally, the federal government sponsors conferences and networking meetings for institutions aiding victims of trafficking.
