A review of the commitment and an outlook on future challenges It won’t work without relief measures! At the beginning of June 2025, the Platform Against Exploitation and Human Trafficking celebrated its tenth anniversary. For an entire day, the focus was on civil engagement. The programme impressively demonstrated how far civil society has come in […]
Every four years, the GRETA expert group reviews how well Austria is implementing its measures against human trafficking. In March 2025, the fourth evaluation report was published, focusing on victims’ rights and exit support. Non-profit organisations such as Hope For the Future are key pillars in the fight against exploitation and human trafficking. What is
GRETA Report 2025: Austria in the fight against exploitation and human trafficking Read More »
Prostitution is a multi-layered phenomenon which is often discussed under the guise of “voluntary choice”. Upon closer examination, however, it becomes clear that economic needs and a lack of education are among the main reasons why women in particular turn to sex work. In many cases, the “decision” to become a prostitute is not so much a
Between Need and Exploitation – How Poverty and Learning Deficits Fuel Prostitution Read More »
Many teenagers dream of one day striding down the catwalk in a flurry of cameras, showing off the latest creations of their favourite designers and eventually landing on the cover of trendy magazines. For almost two decades, the reality show Germany’s Next Topmodel, hosted by Heidi Klum, has been fuelling this desire by putting young
The dark side of modelling Read More »
Prostitution is often described as “the world’s oldest profession”, and accepted as an unavoidable component of many societies. In Austria, prostitution is legalised and subject to defined regulations. As a result, there is a widespread assumption that the women involved in prostitution enter the industry of their own will. This article takes a critical look
The Illusion of Voluntary Action: Myths and Realities of Prostitution in Austria Read More »
13 potential members of a Nigerian mafia group have been arrested in western Germany. They are accused of having made a lot of money through love scams, human trafficking and forced labour. Suspects arrested after raids The police in Lower Saxony have struck a major blow against organised crime. After several raids targeting the Nigerian
Cybercrime and human trafficking: members of Nigerian mafia gang arrested Read More »
We read about it in various media and watch the news on television in shock. But that labour exploitation, even forced labour, is happening right in front of our eyes, and that we personally may even be the beneficiaries, that is what is really shocking. Austria: The case of S.H.G. The facility management company S.H.G.,
Forced labour and exploitation: It’s happening right in front of our eyes Read More »
When Rose was small, she wanted to be an astronaut or a princess. But Rose comes from Hungary and grew up in poverty. Many people still believe women who work in prostitution do so voluntarily. Rose, a former prostitute (not her real name), told her tragic life story recently in an interview with radio station
No Girl Wants to Become a Prostitute Read More »
How art and culture can influence human trafficking Human trafficking is a global problem affecting millions of people. Art and culture can play a transformative role in creating awareness, however, providing support and initiating social change. This article highlights just how creative projects and artistic approaches can help fight human trafficking and support its victims.
Creativity against Human Trafficking Read More »
Every year on the night of 5 to 6 December, the Klaasohm is celebrated on the northern island of Borkum. But unlike many other St Nicholas traditions, this East Frisian festival doesn’t involve gingerbread, apples or nuts. Instead, costumed young men armed with cow horns go on the hunt for women. Outsiders are not welcome
Klaasohm: Hunting women with horns Read More »