Stop human trafficking

Many women fall into the hands of traffickers who bring them to Switzerland

Associations fighting against human trafficking


In Switzerland, many organizations work closely together to support victims of human trafficking and explore ways to protect them. Thanks to the active collaboration of local authorities, numerous cases of forced prostitution, organ trafficking and begging have been revealed. Different aspects must be taken into account, and the support of citizens is a vital and greatly appreciated help. Faced with the increase in cases of women forced to perform sexual services in Switzerland, the Swiss government has taken important measures to help them and, if necessary, save them. This article aims to familiarize you with the process of human trafficking, to help you understand how it works and the measures taken in Switzerland to prevent and combat it in the future.


How do women become victims of human trafficking in Switzerland?


Women from different countries face sexual exploitation for profit. Women from Hungary, Bulgaria, Nigeria, Ukraine, Brazil, Thailand and other countries have been reported as victims of sexual assault across the world. The most common cases involve the trafficking of women for the provision of forced sexual services. In most cases, a woman is taken into the country and presented as an independent escort. Some of these women are able to contact local authorities, but unfortunately others are not so lucky. This is why the Swiss government strives to prevent human trafficking at all costs, without compromise.


Why is it crucial to end human trafficking?


In Switzerland, prostitution and the provision of independent escort services are legal. However, some people exploit these laws by violating human rights. If the choice to become a prostitute in Switzerland is a woman's personal decision and she is welcomed with dignity, when a person, whether Swiss or from another country, is forced to become a prostitute, This is then a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights. Therefore, in order to protect the dignity of individuals, it is crucial to fight effectively against these abuses. In many countries, there is a lack of resources to provide security, health care, and education for their populations, preventing them from focusing on improving the quality of life of their citizens. This is not the case in Switzerland, where the efforts made have made it possible to combat numerous abuses that have been revealed.


Human Trafficking Help and Resources is a global NGO providing telephone support and information on the signs and definitions of victim abuse. If you suspect such behavior, you can visit their website to learn more about it.


Measures taken by the Swiss government to combat human trafficking


The Swiss government has implemented several measures on the ground to prevent human trafficking. He worked closely with different NGOs to tackle the roots of this problem. The majority of victims are women forced into prostitution. As human trafficking is a global problem, the Swiss government wants to ensure that human rights are not violated on its territory. Switzerland applies a zero tolerance policy towards the sexual exploitation of people. The government has also funded various NGOs in several countries so that they can provide assistance to those affected. Every year, new regulations are promulgated to strengthen protection measures against different types of sexual assault and violations of individual freedom.


If you would like to follow the progress made by Switzerland in the fight against human trafficking or simply find out more about the actions taken, you can visit the website 18oktober.ch.


Is stopping prostitution a solution to save women?


No, that's not the solution. Although prostitution is illegal in some countries, it is a reality in many other countries, including Switzerland. Many Swiss sex workers practice this profession voluntarily, by making a personal choice, and they pay taxes like any other citizen. Prohibiting them from working as escorts in Switzerland could have harmful consequences on their careers and income. This could also push them to carry out their activities illegally. So, instead of banning, it is essential to take action against those who violate human rights. If you identify a victim, try to help them in the best way possible. Do not hesitate to report any abuse to the various sources mentioned below.


How are victims of human trafficking helped and supported?


The first step is to understand the specific needs of victims. In some cases, exploited people are unaware of their situation and consider their existence as forced labor. It is therefore important to make them aware of their rights as human beings. Severe penalties are provided for those responsible for this behavior, up to several months or even years of imprisonment. In Switzerland, various support centers are available. If you need help, you can contact them by phone or email at any time.


Even if you are not a victim, you can contact these centers. If you have suspicions of human rights violations related to human trafficking, you can even report anonymously if you wish. The centers concerned begin interviews with victims in order to understand their needs. If some request protection, they are directed to a specialized center where they will be taken care of with respect. More specifically with regard to prostitution, women working illegally in Switzerland are no longer systematically deported, as was the case before. This should encourage them to report abuse more easily.


What to do in case of abuse?


In the event of abuse related to human trafficking, it is important to know where to turn to report these situations. There are several options, both in Switzerland and internationally, such as the United Nations International Organization for Migration or Interpol, for example.


Let us focus here on the main sources of aid in Switzerland, in particular official state services and recognized and approved associations:


Center against human trafficking: Act212.ch. Such. : 0840 212 212.

Assistance center for migrants and victims of human trafficking (FIZ): +41 44 436 90 00.

Association supporting victims of human trafficking (Astrée): 7 ruelle de Bourg, 1003 Lausanne. Tel: +41 21 544 27 97.

Fleur de Pavé Association, Avenue de Sévelin 32B, 1004 Lausanne. Tel: 021 661 31 21

International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bern: Thunstrasse 11, Postfach 216, 3000 Bern 6. Tel. : +41 31 350 82 11.

Federal Police Office (Fedpol): Nussbaumstrasse 29, 3003 Bern. Such. : +41 58 463 11 23.

State Secretariat for Migration: Quellenweg 6, 3003 Bern-Wabern. Such. : +41 58 465 78 44.

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA): Bundesgasse 32, 3003 Bern. Such. : +41 58 462 30 50.

Trafficked Victim Unit. Tel: +41 44 585 35 45.



Together against human trafficking


Every human being deserves to live with dignity, and human trafficking represents a threat to their freedom. Malicious individuals are exploiting this situation by harming lives, and it is imperative that we act to prevent this. Every year, many women fall into the hands of traffickers who bring them to Switzerland or elsewhere, forcing them into prostitution. The Swiss government is therefore firmly committed to the fight against these inhumane abuses.


Adopting a zero tolerance policy, all resources are mobilized to help as many people as possible, allowing them to lead a peaceful life while making their own choices. There are various methods for locating a victim of human trafficking, and the Swiss government does everything possible to ensure that every victim receives the support necessary to protect their life.