© dpa
In its first year, Germany's first specialized counselling centre for child victims of human trafficking has assisted more than 50 cases of affected children and young people.
The minors are victims of sexual exploitation, begging, exploitative work, forced marriage and criminal instrumentalization, according to the Berlin specialist advice and coordination centre In Via.
There were children and young people of all genders. Some had experience with migration or flight, others did not, according to the International Day Against Human Trafficking on July 30. This special contact point was initiated and funded by the Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family in spring 2024. It supports responsible professionals in protecting minors and young adults who have been trafficked.
Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch (CDU) said: "Protecting children and young people from exploitation and human trafficking is a central task of the state." The contact point has proven that targeted training, advice and coordination are effective. "Our goal is clear: we want to ensure that no child falls through the cracks."