Verhütung statt Verfolgung: Präventionsansätze zur Bekämpfung des Menschenhandels

An integral part of any strategy to reduce—if not eliminate—trafficking in persons involves measures aimed at preventing the crime from occurring. This includes policies and programs targeted at stopping offenders from engaging in this crime and addressing the vulnerabilities and root causes that lead to the victimisation and re-victimisation of women, children, and men. Prevention also requires reducing the demand that fuels trafficking to particular destination countries and into particular industries.
The significance of prevention is also recognised in international law and best practice guidelines, including the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. In their quest to combat trafficking in persons, very few countries have, however, to this day, developed coherent prevention policies and programs. Where prevention measures have been implemented, impact and success are not often measurable or otherwise evident.
This paper explores the role of prevention in the fight against trafficking in persons and examines a range of measures aimed to deter offenders and offending, prevent victimisation, and reduce the demand for trafficking. Awareness raising, education, and research are also discussed. The goal of this article is to explore the advantages and limitations of prevention programs, showcase some promising practices and develop recommendations and strategies to prevent trafficking in persons more effectively and sustainably whilst respecting the rights of trafficked persons.