Parliament called on Thursday for EU measures to tackle prostitution and policies that eliminate poverty. It underlines that the asymmetry between national rules on prostitution within the EU, given its cross-border nature, leads to more victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation and makes for fertile operating ground for organised crime.
Member states should assess existing legislation to avoid any loopholes that allow criminals to act with impunity, while the Commission should develop common EU guidelines guaranteeing the fundamental rights of people in prostitution. Prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation exist because there is a demand for them, MEPs note.
Reducing demand is therefore key to prevent and reduce human trafficking and must be done in a way that does not harm those in prostitution, they say. They call on the member states to take urgent measures to tackle online advertisement that directly or indirectly encourages prostitution or seeks to attract buyers.
MEPs also demand support for and cooperation with the police and other law enforcement agencies, social and medical services and NGOs to address trafficking and sexual exploitation and protect women in prostitution.
Give people in prostitution access to essential services and protect their rights. The worsening social and economic situation due to COVID, and the current energy and cost-of-living crisis have increased all forms of abuse and violence against women, MEPs say, including sexual exploitation , with many women in vulnerable situations being driven into poverty and social exclusion.
