As the 2024 Olympics have officially started in Paris, France, an evangelical anti-human trafficking network is calling attention to the often unseen side effects of sporting events: a significant increase in exploitation.
The European Freedom Network (EFN), a Christian network fighting human trafficking and commercial exploitation in Europe, told Christian Daily International in exclusive comments that the question about whether the Olympics increased sex trafficking “requires a nuanced answer” because there is “some research that counters this narrative.”
“At the same time, the reality is that the Olympics and other major sporting events result in a significant increase in the number of tourists in the location and thus increased demand in all areas of exploitation, including sexual and labor. Some estimates are that demand during such sporting events rises by 30%.
“Likewise, there is an increased focus during such a large international sporting event on criminal activity causing more police to be present and more interventions to be made, especially in regard to prostitution.”
The Olympics represent an occasion for traffickers to enroll more victims, according to the EFN. These include victims of sex exploitation recruited specifically for the games, displaced from another country.
Victims are also those being labor-exploited working on construction sites and services for the games. “In addition, people who are vulnerable will be recruited and forced to beg or steal in transports, monuments, and competition places,” the EFN said.
80 different charities jointly voicing concerns under the name “The other side of the medal” issued a June report expressing concerns about French police cracking down on sex workers, migrants and the homeless in Paris, seemingly to deflect large media attention in time for the games. Comparisons have been made to authoritarian states such as China.
There were allegations about heavy-handed identity checks, detaining and expelling people, especially in the north of the city and eastern Bois de Vincennes. Police have allegedly closed down migrant camps in Paris and sent inhabitants to regional shelters in other cities and towns around France, reported France24. Mayors of these other cities and towns have expressed outrage at this attempt to “beautify Paris” to the detriment of others, as reported by Le Monde.
France has operated the ‘Swedish Model’ since 2016, criminalizing clients soliciting sexual activity, and any person financially benefiting from facilitating such acts, but not officially prosecuting women or men who are prostituted.
The EFN acknowledged the French Government's Ministry of Equality expressing public concern about the current trafficking and prostitution situation becoming worse during the Olympics, such as a campaign launched to stop the buying of sex acts and human trafficking.
Other efforts by the authorities have involved police, the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs working with private corporations and businesses such as airports used for accessing Paris and AirBnB to train professionals in recognising signs of trafficking, according to the EFN.
“The problem with the short-lived focus during the event is that it overshadows the reality that France is a destination and transit country for women subjected to sex trafficking and a destination, source, and transit country for children subjected to sex trafficking all the time,” the EFN said, adding that labor exploitation was also a daily reality.
Victims of trafficking can be any age and nationality, according to Contre La Traite des Êtres Humains, a collective of 28 French associations, including the Salvation Army France and the Protestant Committee for Human Dignity (CPDH), which is an EFN member, working together to fight human trafficking.
“However, they usually have multiple difficulties which render them vulnerable. For example, they may not speak French, not be able to read or know their rights in France or they may suffer from a physical or mental disability,” said the collective in a research article, ‘Acting to Prevent Exploitation in the Context of Major Sporting Events.’
“All forms of exploitation are in fact amplified during major events of this kind. However, these scourges of exploitation and trafficking exist within society. We must therefore remain vigilant and combat them on a daily basis.”
EFN members Emmanuela Merola, Adrienne Satterberg Low and Coralie Diebold outlined how the EFN and partners are preparing to combat the issue for the Olympics and Paralympics.
“French EFN members will share via social media different awareness campaigns. Some are organizing or have recently organized meetings in their respective churches to raise awareness about sexual abuse and exploitation.”
Special projects have also been set up to provide food and accommodation for trafficking victims, according to the EFN.
Contre La Traite des Êtres Humains has produced materials for the games and a communication campaign to prevent and explain risks of trafficking in all forms. Among others, they created video clips to explain trafficking and launchced an e-learning program.
“Christian organizations in France came together in the collective Ensemble 2024 to address globally the question of the Olympics,” said Diebold.
“One part is dedicated to social work and trafficking with different associations. The CPDH works more on communications and advocacy with the ministry in charge through the Collective ‘Together against Trafficking’.”
Other organizations like Porteurs d’espoir will organize awareness events for children and adults from August 3 to 10, in partnership with 27 Million and El Pozo de Vida, organizations in Mexico City that fight human trafficking, said Diebold.
Meanwhile, EFN member Hope Alliance has helped with a prevention project in partnership with 27 Million for the Olympic Games, according to Satterberg Low, such as a VR360 video information experience for the public and distributing prevention posters created by Catholic relief network Caritas.
“The idea is to reach out to the general public and make them aware that exploitation and trafficking also happen in France,” said Satterberg Low.
“That's why we've designed a very factual information campaign that explains the different forms of exploitation and the penalties incurred, and encourages people to report situations whether they are witnesses or victims. It includes a short, effective film, visuals for social networks and a poster. All in French and English.”
Evangelicals can be active in helping to combat human trafficking during the Olympic games. The EFN requests prayer for the outreach and prevention efforts that are being planned, and for discernment as workers interact and engage in conversation with the public and those caught in the web of trafficking.
Prayers are also needed for more Christians and churches to become aware of trafficking and “that they will inform themselves and become involved through volunteering and changing their daily lives as they consider how their daily choices impact trafficking and modern day slavery.”
Practical needs also need to be met, according to the EFN. This includes funds for local Christian organizations working hard each day to counter trafficking. Professional volunteers to assist these organizations in their work, such as lawyers and social workers, are needed.
There is also a need for deeper theological reflection on the crucial importance of “ensuring all humans are free,” when considering trafficking issues.
"We wholeheartedly support and commend the efforts of EFN members, along with other organizations and government agencies, in raising awareness about trafficking during the Olympics and implementing preventative measures to combat this grave issue," the EFN said.
"We also wish to remind the general public that trafficking and exploitation are not limited to a two-week global event; they are very pervasive and persistent evils affecting millions of lives daily.
"We stand in agreement with our EFN members in affirming that the fight for freedom and dignity is a critical issue in France, across Europe, and around the world, requiring continuous vigilance, prayerful action, and sustained support."
The EFN advises concerned parties to learn about the issue of human trafficking to be able to recognise signs of exploitation in vulnerable people. It's a Penalty and Contre La Traite websites both give helpful advice.
Any incidents can be reported using the France phone numbers below or by downloading the STOP APP that allows users to submit suspicious activity queries quickly by sending text-based messages and uploading photos and videos. The app is anonymous, confidential and secure, and it is available in 15 languages.
The following are useful phone numbers suggested by the EFN to report human trafficking and exploitation concerns. “Never try to intervene yourself,” warned Diebald, highlighting safety concerns. To be connected with a local anti-trafficking Christian organization, email the EFN at info@europeanfreedomnetwork.org
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Helpline for Trafficking of Human Beings - Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm: +33 492 15 10 51
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Police emergency number: 17
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Hotline for children at risk/danger: 119
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Hotline for women victims of violence: 3919
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European Emergency Number: 112
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Recognise a missing minor: 116000
