U.S. Department of State 2006 Trafficking in Persons Report - Denmark

Denmark (Tier 1)

Denmark is primarily a transit and destination country for women and children trafficked from Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, the Baltic States, Thailand, and Nigeria for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. In 2005, there was one reported case of internal trafficking. Most cases of child trafficking involved the commercial sexual exploitation of young women aged 14 to 18. The government recognizes that trafficking is a problem in Denmark.

The Government of Denmark fully complies with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. Denmark has shown considerable progress in addressing the problem of trafficking both internally and abroad. The government collaborates well with civil society organizations in addressing trafficking issues. In September 2005, the government amended its National Action Plan to bring greater attention to the trafficking of children. Government services offered to victims immediately upon their identification are sufficient. In order to provide more protection to victims who are returned to source countries, the Danish government should consider extending the 15-day stay currently offered to victims, as well as adopt legal alternatives to the removal of victims who may face retribution or hardship upon repatriation. The government should also centrally compile and maintain more comprehensive data regarding investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and sentences.

Prosecution

The Government of Denmark showed continued progress in its anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts. Danish police conducted more than 30 trafficking investigations. In 2005, the government prosecuted four trafficking cases using its anti-trafficking law and 26 trafficking cases using its procurement law. Three people were convicted under the anti-trafficking law and 57 traffickers were convicted under the sexual procurement law. There was no comprehensive data provided on the specific sentences prescribed to traffickers; however, Danish law provides that all traffickers serve time in prison. No traffickers received suspended sentences. The government provided specialized training for authorities on how to recognize, investigate, and prosecute instances of trafficking. The National Police maintained a website with up-to-date information on trafficking that is accessible by the police. The government regularly cooperated with neighboring countries on joint investigations. While victims were encouraged to assist in investigations and prosecutions, few victims were willing to testify for fear of retribution upon their repatriation or against their family members in their home country.

Protection

The Danish Government's efforts to provide care for victims of trafficking improved during the reporting period. The government continued to fully fund three organizations that provided services for actual and potential victims. In 2005, one organization provided support for 60 trafficking victims, an increase from 29 in 2004. When police raided brothels or suspected trafficking rings, they often included social workers to assist victims onsite. Victims received immediate medical care and counseling. The newly introduced trafficking in children appendix to the National Action Plan provides for greater NGO support to minors, including the appointment of a guardian for each minor. Victims found in violation of immigration law are neither jailed nor fined and are offered a 15-day stay before repatriation during which they receive health care, counseling, and shelter. If these victims do not voluntarily return to their countries of origin, they are barred from re-entry to Denmark for one year. The government is aware that some victims may face hardship or retribution upon repatriation. Danish organizations attempt to arrange NGO care for these victims upon re-entry in their country of origin; however, the government is often unable to make such arrangements due to the underdeveloped NGO systems in many source countries.

Prevention

Denmark continued its progress in trafficking prevention. The government adequately monitored its borders and cooperated with other EU member states to prevent suspected criminals from entering Denmark. The government allocated $162,000 for an information campaign that targets the demand for trafficking and increases public awareness; the campaign will be launched in fall 2006. The government funds social organizations that regularly held information and outreach campaigns in local regions for both child and adult trafficking.