Combating prostitution and sex trafficking
Prostitution and trafficking in human beings for sexual purposes are serious obstacles to the enjoyment of human rights by vulnerable groups, to social equality and gender equality. Women and girls are those who are primarily affected, but men and boys are also exploited. Studies show that it is mainly men who purchase sexual services.
Photo: NordicPhotos
Measures to combat prostitution and trafficking in human beings for sexual purposes must be implemented from a legal, social and gender equality perspective and be underpinned by human rights principles. Sweden's commitments within the framework of the EU, the Council of Europe and the UN are the cornerstones of the Government's policy in this area.
In July 2008, the Government approved an action plan for combating prostitution and trafficking in human beings for sexual purposes. A total of SEK 215 million is being invested in 36 measures until 2010.
The action plan has a clear focus on the need for protection and support of the vulnerable, and on this permeating the efforts of the agencies concerned. Particular measures target children and young people. The action plan covers five areas for action that are all important in their own right, but that also complement and strengthen each other. A comprehensive follow-up of the action plan will be conducted in 2011 and presented to the Riksdag.
The Government's ongoing efforts to combat prostitution and human trafficking for sexual purposes continue to be ambitious. The efforts require coordination and collaboration between various national actors. In a similar way, international cooperation is strategically important. The Government has therefore decided on a number of measures. For instance, the Stockholm County Administrative Board has been given a continued mandate to work for the national collaboration and coordination of the work of government agencies and non-governmental organisations to combat prostitution and human trafficking for sexual purposes.
Another example is the task of the Swedish Institute to implement a visiting programme for key foreign actors who want to study Sweden's action on the prevention of prostitution and human trafficking for sexual purposes. The Government also supports the work of the Council of the Baltic Sea States Task Force against Trafficking in Human Beings.
The areas for action in the action plan are:
- increased protection and support for vulnerable groups,
- strengthened preventive efforts,
- enhanced quality and efficiency in the legal system,
- greater national and international cooperation,
- increased knowledge.
