KOK - German NGO network against trafficking in human beings (Bundesweiter Koordinierungskreis gegen Menschenhandel)

KOK is a German NGO network and coordination office against trafficking in human beings. Currently, KOK consists of 37 member organisations across Germany, thus getting the majority of specialised NGO’s under one umbrella. This is a unique network as it represents a broad variety of different groups, including faith-based organisations and sex workers rights groups.

KOK aims to promote the human rights of trafficked persons and other migrants experiencing violence. It addresses trafficking and other forms of violence against migrants as a severe violation of human rights. KOK believes that the crime of human trafficking is deeply rooted in racism and sexism, and strategies to fight human trafficking have to be embedded in a wider framework including both phenomena. The network is active against all bodies, organisations and legislation which exclude migrants from social, political and economic participation. It believes in equal rights and opportunities for allKOK coordinates the endeavours and efforts of its member organisations and other stakeholders involved in the issue of human trafficking. It transforms the experiences gained in grassroot counselling centres into political strategies. KOK informs policy makers, scientists, civil society and governmental and intergovernmental stakeholders on the complexity of anti-trafficking policies, and guarantees knowledge sharing across different levels. Some of the KOK’s core activities are political lobbying as well as work in relevant committees and public relations.

The project started in 1999 and is still running.