Human Trafficking – Can the German Reform Address the Complexity of the Phenomenon?

Abstract

German criminal law regarding human trafficking was reformed in 2016 in order to implement European goals and objectives, for example, the effective cooperation between member states' law enforcement authorities. This article examines the problems connected with the implementation of the reforms from different perspectives. It also takes into account that the laws were also changed to close perceived gaps in the Criminal Code and to simplify the classification of any action linked to human trafficking. Thus, it will show that the phenomenon of human trafficking cannot be addressed by implementing stricter criminal laws alone, since the main causes lie in the poor living conditions of the countries of origin and the way in which modern societies consume. What is needed is a broad-based awareness, an international interconnected system and appropriate victim protection resulting in an interdisciplinary, human rights-oriented approach to fight human trafficking and exploitation.