We consider that trafficking in women cannot be addressed at as a solitary
problem but as a part of a variety of social problems and that therefore a
multi-disciplinary approach is necessary. One of the important measures to
be taken in order to get results is to fight against all forms of criminality
surrounding the trafficking in women.
It is necessary to reinforce the struggle against pimping including the closure
of brothels and any form of organized prostitution, to decriminalize prostitutes
de facto and not only de jure as is currently the case.
The policy of the State of Israel concerning the issue of trafficking and
prostitution is changing but for now only the decision-makers level is involved.
The changed policy should also penetrate to lower levels and reach the local
officials. We therefore consider that Israel has already shown her wish to take
responsibility in the case of the victims of trafficking .The state of Israel
has admitted that these victims should be paid indemnities for the violation of
their human rights within the Israeli territory. Until now indemnities were
paid to a very limited number of victims and the amount was far from being
proportionate to their suffering and to the risk they took in giving testimony.
According to the recommendations of the two committees (Inter-ministerial and
Parliamentary) the indemnities for the victims should not be less than $100,000
and taken from the confiscated properties of the traffickers. These
recommendations though are still only in the status of recommendations
and their implementation needs to be evaluated during the next year.
According to the recommendations of the committees (Inter-ministerial and
Parliamentary) victims of trafficking who have testified against their
perpetrators should be allowed to get a resident permit in Israel especially
in cases of minors or threatened victims. The process to get a permit is very
problematic and takes too long without any guarantee that the permit will be
handed over to the victim.
Another recommendation of the two committees is to close brothels. This is
being implemented but we have to follow-up and re evaluate the situation
next year.
We see that Israel made a big progress in the fight against trafficking
during 2003 but the issue of prostitution was not handled properly until now.
It is about time to reconsider the whole policy on this issue and to make of
Israel an abolitionist country de facto and not only de jure. It is a matter
of human development.
