Sexual exploitation in Bulgaria has emerged as one of the main activities of organized crime in the country. The extent of the problem first became visible following a research on international human trafficking. In contrast to human trafficking, the problem of sexual exploitation in Bulgaria has been far less studied. Thus its scale, forms, relation to organized crime and violation of human rights are being underestimated and do not attract sufficient attention from both the government and the NGO sector. At the same time, the legislation related to sexual exploitation is outdated and ineffective and the organization of countering the phenomenon is not at a sufficient level. For these reasons, the implementation of a comprehensive study of sexual exploitation and related criminal activities provided grounds for an increased adequacy of public and institutional reaction against these phenomena. Furthermore, it created conditions for increasing the social adequacy of the legislation and practices of its implementation in criminal proceedings.
The main objective of the project was to support the civil society in Bulgaria through development of public policies for preventing and combating sexual exploitation of women and children. Within the project, experts conducted five studies of different aspects of sexual exploitation in Bulgaria. Based on the analysis of a significant amount of data, each of these studies outlined the problems in the given aspect and proposed concrete solutions. Most of the recommendations were focused on improving the legislative measures for combating sexual exploitation and state protection of the rights of the victims. Specific recommendations were made for the organization of countering sexual exploitation and reduction of human trafficking, especially of women and children. The measures developed as a result of the study were presented before the respective governmental institutions. For example, the proposals related to the organization of countering sexual exploitation were presented to officers within the Ministry of Interior with view of their implementation. The recommendations for improving the legislation regulating the countering of sexual exploitation and the protection of victims of human trafficking were presented at a conference organized in the National Assembly and attended by ministers, ambassadors and members of parliament. The event attracted a significant number of electronic and paper media who covered the event and the main conclusions from the project reports. The wide media coverage of the conference, which continued during the weeks following the event through participations of the project experts in various broadcasts, contributed to raising the public awareness and intolerance towards sexual exploitation in all its forms. As a result of the project, the research carried out and all the information gathered, the capacity of RiskМonitor and its experts to implement its mission, namely develop public policies for controlling and combating human trafficking and organized crime significantly increased. This will also contribute for the development of future related projects, enhancing the sustainability of the current project results and their practical implementation.
A significant amount of information has been gathered and analyzed within the project, including 80 in-depth interviews with victims, social workers, police officers, prosecutors and others (the in-depth interviews with victims were conducted through social workers from non-governmental social centers in Sofia, Pazardzhik, Blagoevgrad and Sandanski); documents on 50 lawsuits for sexual exploitation; national representative public opinion polls; surveys among clients of paid sexual services; secondary analysis of various information sources, including relevant legislation in 17 EU countries, etc. Five separate analytical reports were developed on the basis of this information, related to the main problem areas within the phenomenon: the interrelation of sexual exploitation to organized crime; sexual exploitation of children; the active legal framework; international legal practices and the violation of human rights as a result of sexual exploitation. The papers were compiled and published in a collective report. The main findings and recommendations were presented during a conference that took place on the premises of the National Assembly of Republic of Bulgaria. The event was organized in partnership with the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings with the Council of Ministers, and the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Security and Public Order in the 41st National Assembly of Bulgaria. This public presentation advocated the objectives and specific goals of the project among ministers, parliamentary members, ambassadors, media, civil society representatives, governmental officials and others.
Contact information:
Stefan Popov, Executive Director,
29 Tzar Osvoboditel blvd.,
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel.: ++359 2 980 3245
Fax: +359 2 988 4429
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