Many World Cup Prostitutes Coerced, Says Caritas

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VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Many of the 40,000 prostitutes arriving to Germany in the next 17 days to "service" World Cup fans will be there against their will, says Caritas Internationalis.



"This may be the world's oldest profession, but that's because the vulnerability of women throughout the ages in many ways has not changed," said Duncan MacLaren, secretary-general of Caritas Internationalis.

"Many women will say this is the life they chose, but economic desperation or the breakdown in social structures that constrain women into prostitution doesn't leave them many options," he continued.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has announced it fears that between 30,000 and 60,000 women and girls will fall victim to forced prostitution and abuse during the World Cup.

Prostitution was legalized in Germany in 2002.

The sex industry has prepared for the expected influx of 3 million soccer fans by constructing mega-brothels and "sex shacks," with private parking, showers and the promise to maintain clients' privacy.

"Football fans should not tarnish the name of the 'beautiful game' by exploiting fellow human beings," MacLaren said. "We encourage all people of good will to raise their voice against an evil trade that treats women as things."