Samenvatting

With 400,000 sex workers, Spain has the biggest sex industry of Europe. It is estimated that 90 per
cent of these sex workers are victims of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
The objective of this dissertation is to gain data on sex trafficking in Spain with the aim to find
weaknesses and improvement possibilities in the current Spanish prevention methods. This research
has been conducted by collecting and analysing existing data on this topic. Predominantly, reports
written by specialized institutions such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights (OHCHR) and the European Union have been consulted.
The first part of the results identifies the current problem in Spain and is divided into four
fields of improvement: the lack of a comprehensive legal framework; data; international
cooperation; and high demand. The high amount of tourists in Spain in combination with these
weaknesses in the current system creates an attractive destination for human trafficking. Without a
legal framework, insufficient data and a lack of international cooperation, Spain struggles in
tackling sex trafficking caused by the high demand of young tourists.
The second part of the results shows current and potential prevention methods. The fields of
improvement are currently not forming an effective shield against sex trafficking. However, in
order to strengthen the battle against sex trafficking, the fields of improvement need to be
strengthened individually. Unfortunately, the Spanish political parties do not take a stand in this
debate. Therefore, it is difficult to reform the current legal framework regarding prostitution.
Nonetheless, Spain has written plans of action to conduct research on the topic. In addition, Spain
cooperates with the European Commission to achieve mutual goals regarding sex trafficking. Spain,
however, lacks in cooperation with countries like Nigeria. Concerning demand, Spain has done
campaigns to raise awareness; however, these campaigns are not focused on the target group, namely,
tourists.
In conclusion, by developing and improving prevention methods based on the results, Spain would be
able to achieve a comprehensive approach in the battle against human trafficking for the purpose of
sexual exploitation. The focus should be on collecting relevant data and improving international
cooperation. In addition, Spain should develop campaigns focussed on raising awareness among young
tourists. However, most methods are still in the preparatory phase. Therefore, it will take time
and dedication to improve the prevention methods in the Spanish system.