U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Poland

Poland (Tier 1)

Poland is a country of origin, transit and destination for trafficking in persons, primarily women and girls. Persons are trafficked to and through Poland primarily from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria. Poles are trafficked to Western Europe, mainly Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.

The Government of Poland fully complies with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, including making serious and sustained efforts to eliminate severe forms of trafficking with respect to law enforcement, protection of victims, and prevention of trafficking. Polish law prohibits forcing individuals into prostitution, trafficking in human beings and pimping. The Polish police investigate trafficking. The numbers arrested, indicted and prosecuted in Poland have increased considerably over the course of the last three years. The government cooperates with other countries and regional security organizations in trafficking cases and the repatriation of victims. To protect victims, temporary legal status is available to trafficking victims who want to testify against traffickers. This status is available for the duration of an investigation and trial. Polish victims are eligible for welfare services. Resources permitting, the government periodically provides small grants to NGOs and universities to provide shelter to and work with trafficking victims. Local governments fund the Center for Women's Rights and shelters for trafficking victims run by religious-affiliated organizations. To prevent trafficking, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an information campaign aimed at travelers and tourists to warn them of the dangers of trafficking and to educate them about its existence in Poland among brothels and escort agencies. The government works with NGOs who sponsor training to increase border guards' awareness of trafficking and to improve their ability to detect trafficked victims. The government funds programs that indirectly help prevent trafficking, including public awareness campaigns against domestic violence and child abuse and programs to lower the teenage dropout rate. The government has a positive relationship with NGOs who provide considerable assistance to prevent trafficking.