

Anders Stjernholm
Comedian, TV host, journalist
Can you name three words you associate with human trafficking?
Slavery. Because that's what it is. Possibly low-wage - but still slavery, because trafficked people are not free.
Deprivation of liberty. This is not human trafficking, which is a criminal act, I can understand to a certain extent. Here the traffickers are not doing the trafficked person any favors.
Money. Disgusting money. Which some people apparently earn without qualms. It is important that we as a society speak out against such a view of humanity.
What do you think Denmark can do to prevent the development of human trafficking?
We need to change the rules of the prostitution market. And our attitude towards prostitutes. Legalize and normalize what prostitutes do. Then it will be much easier to see the rotten bones of the industry. If a prostitute's client can afford to go to the authorities and say: "I'm afraid I've seen a trafficking victim", without having to fear any legal or ethical consequences for himself, these women will have a much better chance of getting help.
What do you think are the most important challenges surrounding human trafficking in Denmark?
We are one of the countries that has been monitoring the prostitution market for the longest time. We have the chance to become a pioneer and establish some methods that others can follow. But the final steps require that we put the taboo around paid sex on the shelf, realize that we can never stop it - and then help all prostitutes clean up their industry. That way we will also find the victims of trafficking.
