II SÉRIE-D — NÚMERO 9

18

Main findings and issues raised during the visit

1. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) assists large numbers of migrants in all continents and

carries out activities of counter-trafficking and assistance to vulnerable migrants. In 2012, this organisation

provided assistance to approximately 6500 victims of trafficking globally. The Migrant Assistance Division

provided the rapporteur with data based on these cases. The data vary widely over the years as they reflect the

situation in the areas where the IOM operates. Although it does not necessarily reflect proportionally the overall

phenomenon of trafficking, the IOM data gives useful indications. Among people who received assistance from

IOM in 2012, those trafficked for labour exploitation were 45% and those for sexual exploitation 20%. Mr

Laurence Hart, Head of the Migrant Assistance Division, explained that although trafficking for labour

exploitation represents a significant and growing share of cases, in absolute terms trafficking for purposes of

sexual exploitation is not decreasing. But these figures refer to the worldwide situation. If we refer to Europe,

only, 61% of the victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation, and 17% for labor exploitation.

2. As explained by the Head and other staff members of the Swiss Coordination Unit against the Trafficking

of Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (SCOTT or KSMM), national statistics are not available because

controls fall under cantonal jurisdiction. Even the available data is not comparable, given the different situations

and regulations in the various cantons.

3. In 2012, SCOTT approved a National Action Plan to Fight Human Trafficking for the period 2012-2014.

The main goals of this plan include clarifying the tasks and responsibilities of cantonal and federal agencies in

combating human trafficking, as well as contributing to the implementation of international obligations and

recommendations made by the competent supervisory bodies. The action plan is based on the principle that

countering human trafficking does not only imply prosecuting perpetrators. It is in fact “a multidisciplinary

challenge that places assistance to victims at the centre of all action”.

4. Law enforcement officers cooperate with non-governmental organisations to identify victims of trafficking

in human beings. FIZ – Advocacy and Support for Migrant Women and Victims of Trafficking, based in Zurich,

is one of the main NGO operating in this field. They provided crisis intervention and counseling, provide

information on victim’s rights and accompany women to criminal proceedings. Their cooperation is appreciated

by the police forces.

5. While FIZ and other large NGOs are in favour of the current regulations on prostitution, this stance is not

unanimously shared. Ms Irene Hirzel, of the Christliche Ostmission, for instance, explained that there is

increasing awareness of the need to set limits on prostitution. Criminalising the purchase of sex services is

seen by some, even within the Swiss civil society, as the most effective way to curb prostitution and tackle

trafficking in human beings. Ms Hirzel estimates there are 14.000 to 25.000 legal prostitutes in Switzerland, but

the number of illegal prostitutes seems to be much bigger.

6. In September 2013, shortly before the fact-finding visit, the Swiss parliament raised the minimum legal

age for sex work from 16 to 18 years. Prostitutes between the ages of 16 and 18 will not face penalties, but

people paying for sex with minors may be sentenced to up to three years of imprisonment. In addition, anyone

encouraging prostitution by minors, including pimps, and people running brothels or escort services, will face

sentences of up to 10 years.

7. Swiss parliamentarian Ms Marianne Streiff-Feller initiated a parliamentary investigation on the possibility

to reform the Swiss legislation on prostitution and introduce a criminalisation system similar to that in force in

Sweden. She explained that this option would probably be met with limited support in Parliament, although it

represents be the most advanced and effective way of countering prostitution and trafficking.

8. The statute of what are called “artists of cabaret” that the Federal Council wants to abolish, seem to be a

great problem. Young women start legally under this statute, and then fall in the hands of the organized crime.

9. There is no research about prostitution and trafficking. The Government is committed to make a study

about the Swedish model and its possible adaptation to the Swiss reality. Awareness actions are needed.

10. Internet pornography is climbing dramatically, and is deeply implicated with sexual exploitation.

According to certain inquiries, 50% of prostitutes have been asked to do pornography. But, afterwards,

traffickers blackmail these women. In some cases, this situation ended on suicide.