By Martin Banks - 6th December 2011
“Sport should be a celebration
Catherine Bearder
ALDE deputy Catherine Bearder has called on football chiefs to stop sex trafficking at next year's European football championships.
Her demand comes in the wake of the UN's international day for the abolition of slavery last Friday.
Campaigners say evidence has shown big sporting events can fuel an increase in the number of people trafficked into the sex industry.
The event, which is due to take place in Poland and Ukraine in June, has triggered concern about a number of issues, including the readiness of both countries to host such a high profile tournament.
Bearder, who is already spearheading a campaign to make sure organisers of the London 2012 Olympics act to curb sex trafficking around the event, is now calling for action to stamp out the problem at the euros.
She has asked the European commission to work with event organisers UEFA to prevent an increase in trafficked women and children.
She said, "Next year is a massive year for sport in Europe and millions of people will enjoy both huge events. But there is a seedier side, which must not be ignored.
"I have no doubt the trafficking of women and girls for sexual abuse is likely to increase in both Poland and Ukraine to meet the expected rise in demand for sex."
Greece experienced a rise in the number of additional brothels opened in the run up to the 2004 Olympic games in Athens.
Meanwhile, 'mega-brothels' were installed in cities hosting games in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
And, in Warsaw last year Myria Vassiliadou, the EU's anti-trafficking coordinator, said, "Sporting events are a hub for criminal gangs" and "We want to see awareness-raising when it comes to sporting events."
Bearder said the number of women trafficked into the sex trade is on the increase.
She said, "I'm sure many of you will know people travelling the European championships or maybe heading out there yourselves and I would urge anyone visiting to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the authorities.
"Sport should be a celebration and we must make sure it is not tarnished by this vile trade."
