Human Trafficking as a Political Issue
Legislation and Problem Awareness in Russia
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
The topic of human trafficking was long a taboo in Russia. Now, the criminal code penalises it. This is the result of education efforts by non-governmental organisations and women’s groups as well as enormous pressure from the United States. The implementation of the new laws remains insufficient. A lack of awareness about the problem, corruption and isolated cases of complicity on the part of the police and the legal system are responsible for this. The struggle against human trafficking must get at the roots of the problem. More jobs must be created so as to overcome the material need that drives so many women abroad. More education is needed for potential female labour migrants, as is the establishment of a nationwide network of emergency shelters and rehabilitation programmes.
(Osteuropa 6/2006, pp. 192–212)