Austria/Europe

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., […]

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

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.

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

Danube cruises enjoy huge popularity, offering luxury, nature and culture. While guests are being spoilt above-board, however, the crews of those ships, working under precarious conditions for low wages, are having a very different experience.  Luxury cruises hugely popular Danube cruises are the epitome of luxury and romance. Numerous providers of the cruises are now

The Internet has made many things in our lives easier, no question about it – we are more connected than ever, all conceivable information is virtually just a click away, and personal relationships are increasingly being cultivated online. Unfortunately, however, the World Wide Web also has its downsides: More and more frequently, nude photos or

A few years ago, the once highly-regarded and elite Odenwald School in Germany closed its doors forever. The reason: two former pupils, long since grown-up, had gone public with the terrible details of their experiences while at the school. Their accounts of sexual abuse turned out to be just the start of a shocking scandal

Most victims of human trafficking are severely traumatised, and have neither papers nor perspectives. They are absolutely terrified, and require huge support in a range of areas. First and foremost, however, they need safe accommodation if they are ever going to be able to breathe easily again. But that is not always as easy as

Concrete and overarching collaboration is required The struggle against human trafficking requires close collaboration between state and non-state actors at national, regional and international levels. This year’s Conference, themed “Human trafficking – a private matter?”, investigated the connections between protagonists and victims. Very often, relationships of trust are exploited during human trafficking, with new technologies