Dutch Policy on Prostitution and Trafficking for sexual exploitation
The Netherlands regards the fight against trafficking as a priority.
a) Prevention
- In 2009, an information card entitled 'Exploitation at the Workplace' was introduced.
- The 'Meld M' multimedia campaign (Crime Stoppers) to report suspicions of trafficking to an anonymous hotline was held in 2006 and 2008.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website includes travel information warning that sex with children is prosecutable in the country of destination as well as in the Netherlands.
- Training is provided to military personnel on prevention of trafficking.
b) Assistance and support to victims
CoMensha, an NGO that receives government funding, is responsible for the initial assistance to and registration of possible victims, cooperating closely with police and other authorities.
In 2010, the government started a pilot project of three shelters specifically equipped to assist female and male victims of human trafficking.
c) Investigation and prosecution
Trafficking is one of the themes in the Programme on Strengthening the Fight against Organised Crime of 2007. Many preventative, administrative and criminal law initiatives have been implemented. This approach requires intensive collaboration between all the parties involved, including private parties and local administrations.
In 2008, the Justice Ministry took measures to prevent victims from being punished for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked, including through training prison staff on victim identification.
Local governments are responsible for regulating legalised prostitution. Brothels are inspected regularly (guidelines suggest 6 times a year) by police, health authorities, the Labour Inspectorate, and fire prevention authorities.
Contact details:
National Organisations