11 July 1994

Doc. 7126

MOTION FOR A RECOMMENDATION

on traffic of women and forced prostitution

in the Council of Europe member states

presented by Mr HINT and others 1

1.       Traffic of women and forced prostitution are not a new phenomenon in the Council of Europe member states. However, evidence shows that this phenomenon has become more alarming during the recent years.

2.       The phenomenon of prostitution goes hand in hand not only with political and economic transition, but also with migration. An increasing number of women are looking for a better life in the "West". In order to gain their living in the new host country, some migrant women end up in prostitution.

3.       Well-established networks exist in the member states, that take advantage of the difficulties experienced by some migrant women. Women living in their countries of origin are not spared from the unscrupulous traffickers either. Moreover, trafficking and forced prostitution are often linked to other forms of organised crime.

4.       These women are subject to inhumane and degrading treatment and exploitation, which constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights. Some call it a modern form of "disguised slavery".

5.       Consequently, the Assembly invites the Committee of Ministers to take urgent action to stop the spread of trafficking of women and forced prostitution in the member states.

6.       The Council of Europe's action should be concentrated on preventive work in the countries of origin, and it should be aimed at those groups that are particularly vulnerable to forced prostitution. Preventive action should consist of effective education of women and dissemination of information. Furthermore, both persons and networks which engage in forced prostitution and/or trafficking of women should be made criminally rersponsible.

7.       The Parliamentary Assembly proposes that the Committee of Ministers invite the member states to adopt legislation in order to have control over persons and organisations responsible for trafficking women to foreign countries.

Signed:

Hint, Masseret, Dromberg, Ragnarsdóttir, Gould of Potternewton,

Fleetwood, Halonen, Hardy, Schreiner, Schwimmer, Bloetzer, Kelam,

Astgeirsdóttir, Jansson

1 ¹ 1. This text only represents the views of the individual members who have signed it. It does not reflect a position adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly.