Bonn (KNA) German Catholic bishops believe that victims of human trafficking should be granted a residence permit in Germany. “It is necessary for those affected to be able to develop a secure life perspective. This is the only way they can be freed from the clutches of human traffickers,” explained the chairman of the German Bishops’ Conference’s working group against human trafficking, Auxiliary Bishop Ansgar Puff, on Wednesday. He was speaking on the occasion of the International Day against Trafficking in Human Beings.
Stability and security for those affected can only be achieved through a residence permit that is granted “regardless of their willingness to testify in criminal proceedings”, said Puff. The Auxiliary Bishop of Cologne reminded the Federal Government that corresponding improvements had been announced in the coalition agreement and must now be implemented.
Puff emphasised positive developments at European level. In January, the European Parliament and the European Council agreed on an amendment to the Human Trafficking Directive. This has now been extended to include illegal adoptions, forced marriages and surrogate motherhood as forms of exploitation. In addition, people can now be penalised for paying for services in the knowledge that they are supporting human trafficking. “The improved directive is a signal that the EU wants to pursue human trafficking even more resolutely. In particular, the increase in the penalty for perpetrators to five years is a signal to the victims that their suffering is being taken seriously,” explained the auxiliary bishop.
The International Day against Human Trafficking is celebrated by the Catholic Church every year on 8 February. The occasion is the memorial day of St Josephine Bakhita (1869-1947), patron saint of the victims of slavery. Pope Francis proclaimed it the International Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking.