lun, Mai 13th 2024
In 2023, FIZ’s protection program for human trafficking victims in German-speaking Switzerland registered 317 participants, with a predominant number victimised in the sex trade.
Last year, the Fachstelle Frauenhandel und Frauenmigration (FIZ) in German-speaking Switzerland saw 317 individuals partake in its human trafficking victim protection program. A significant 75% of these cases involved victims of human trafficking, emphasising the ongoing issue in the region.
Predominantly, the victims, about three-quarters, were exploited in the sex trade. This detail highlights a critical area of concern within the trafficking network. In comparison, a smaller segment, just over 10%, were exploited in domestic and caregiving roles, marking a diverse yet predominantly sex trade-focused trafficking problem.
There was a slight decrease in trafficking cases, down from 259 to 238 compared to the previous year, showing a potential shift in the effectiveness of prevention and intervention strategies or fluctuating trafficking patterns.
Among the identified victims, 206 were female, 13 transgender, and 19 male, illustrating the gender distribution affected by this heinous crime. Additionally, 34 victims received inpatient care across FIZ’s seven shelters, while others benefited from outpatient services. In total, FIZ’s shelters recorded 4,716 overnight stays in 2023, underlining the extensive need for such services.
A notable aspect of the program last year was that a quarter of all cases involved individuals in the asylum process in Switzerland. Participants affected by both human trafficking and asylum issues hailed from 34 different countries, with significant referrals from Somalia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This demographic data points to the global nature of trafficking and the specific vulnerabilities of asylum seekers.
Lastly, about 30% of the migrant women advised by FIZ were also victims of domestic violence, showcasing the intersectional challenges faced by these individuals.
The statistics not only reflect the critical role of FIZ in providing sanctuary and support to trafficking victims but also underscore the persistent and multifaceted nature of human trafficking in Switzerland.
©Keystone/SDA
French 
English 
German 
Spanish 
Arabic 
