Euro 08 Campaign against Trafficking in Women
Prior and during the European soccer championships held in June 2008, we informed a large audience about the trafficking of women specifically for the purpose of prostitution and, committed ourselves to a better victims and witnesses protection program.
See the evaluation of the Campaign in German or French.
Why such a campaign?
- Trafficking in Women is a European-wide problem. The Euro 08 represented an opportunity to inform a huge audience about it.
All countries taking part to the Euro 08 are confronted with trafficking issues.
Switzerland and Austria are mainly destination countries of trafficking in human beings, other states are countries of origin and/or transit, many are both. - There is a lack of victims’ protection. This must change.
Victims of trafficking need specific protection measures. These include safe accommodation and professional accompaniment. We aimed to mobilize as many people as possible – before and during the soccer cup – in order to support this demand. - We aim to raise the awareness of men – for example of male football fans.
The Euro 08 hosted a majority male audience. As potential clients of prostitutes, men might get in contact with victims of trafficking. We hope that as they gain awareness of the issue, they will act in a responsible way.
What type of campaign was it?
The campaign started in March 2008, continued up until the end of the Euro 08 and finished in September 2008.
Our aim was to draw attention to the largest audience possible, through a spot, the internet website as well as information material. We gathered signatures for our petition to request effective improvements to the protection of victims and witnesses and to increase their rights. On 11th September 2008 the petition was handed in to the authorities with nearly 72,000 signatures.
Expected outcomes
- Information: People attending the Euro 08 and all related events had to become aware of both the extent and repercussions of the trafficking in women.
- Prevention: Anyone who comes in contact with a victim of trafficking must behave in a responsible and adequate way. Our focus was mainly on raising awareness amongst men who are the most likely – as clients – to come face-to-face with victims of trafficking.
- Victim protection: Protection of victims and their rights must be assured and strengthened. This includes the right to stay. Our goal on this appeal was to gather the support of a minimum of
25,000 people.