Advocacy in Germany: “Europe’s biggest brothel”

In early November, CAP International travelled to Berlin alongside the Bundesverband Nordisches Modell (the Alliance for the Nordic Model) to promote the most effective legislative measures for combatting the prostitution system and protecting its victims. 

Germany: “Brothel of Europe” 

The country legalised prostitution in 2002, thereby decriminalising pimping, the purchase of sexual acts, and classifying people in prostitution as “sex workers.” With an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 people in prostitution in the country, 82% of whom are foreign nationals mainly from Bulgaria and Romania, Germany is now considered the 'brothel of Europe', attracting pimping networks and sex buyers from Germany and across the continent. 

CAP International visited Café Neustart e.V. in Berlin, which provides support services to women and girls in prostitution in the Kurfürstenstraße district. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the organisation has reported a sevenfold increase in the number of Ukrainian women in prostitution in the area. Women from Hungary under the control of pimps also remain overrepresented among victims of prostitution. 

A legislative shift towards the abolitionist model is under discussion  

CAP International met with German policymakers in the Bundestag to raise awareness of the need to genuinely protect women and girls who are victims of prostitution and sexual exploitation in Germany. We also participated in a conference organised by the Bundesverband Nordisches Modell in support of the abolitionist model for Germany, reaffirming:  

Driven by frontline organisations, including CAP International members SOLWODI and SISTERS together with coalitions within the Alliance for the Nordic Model, the fight for a model change continues in Germany! 

Read our interview in EMMA Magazin (in German).