Human trafficking for sexual exploitation in Belgium 2008-2022

In Belgium, the Federal Police registers a steady number of human trafficking cases for sexual exploitation. Around three to six hundred cases are reported each year. In 2022, Belgium’s Federal Police registered 303 sexual trafficking cases. By contrast, 150 economic trafficking cases were filed during that year. This difference in numbers supports the European Commission’s conclusion: nowadays, most European human trafficking cases involve sexual exploitation.

Human trafficking for sexual exploitation

Sexual exploitation covers crimes such as forced prostitution, forced marriage, and infantile pornography. Although men and women can be sexually exploited, this form of trafficking affects primarily women, and, regardless of gender, children. For instance, the neighboring Netherlands registered five child prostitution cases in 2020.

Sexual exploitation can have permanent effects on one’s quality of life. Physical health and mental health can be impacted. Regardless, Belgium compromises protecting the victims with fighting criminal organizations. The country offers victim protection in return for their collaboration with the authorities. Thus, reporting the offense is mandatory.

Victims of Human trafficking in Belgium

The country has implemented a comprehensive approach to human trafficking with specialized actors such as police officers, labor inspectors, prosecutors, specialized shelters for victims, and immigration offices. Since the early ‘90s, Belgium delivers a residency permit to human trafficking victims, given that they withdraw from exploitation. Victims must also attend one of the three Belgian support centers which provide physical and psychological help.