Koordinierungskreis gegen Menschenhandel

The National Coordination Circle Against Human Trafficking e.V. (KOK) is a registered, non-profit association that has been actively fighting against human trafficking and exploitation as well as advocating for the rights of those affected since its founding in 1987.

The KOK is a coalition of 43 specialized counseling centers and other organizations that focus on supporting victims of human trafficking and exploitation. The member organizations include specialized counseling centers, autonomous migrant projects, counseling centers for sex workers, women's shelters, lobby organizations, and welfare associations. The KOK offers a variety of services, including:

• Specialized Counseling and Support: Direct assistance and counseling for victims of human trafficking and exploitation.
• Advocacy and Public Relations: Representation of the interests of those affected at national and international levels through political and public work.
• Knowledge Transfer and Networking: Exchange of experiences and cooperation between member organizations, politics, administration, science, and the public.
• Case Law Database: Documentation and analysis of court decisions in the field of human trafficking and exploitation.

The main mission of the KOK is to create, uphold, and enforce the rights of victims of human trafficking and exploitation. The association is based on a human rights-based approach and particularly advocates for the interests of women, especially migrants. The work of the KOK is characterized by the following values:

• Human Rights: Enforcement and implementation of international conventions and human rights instruments.
• Self-Determination: Supporting victims in their self-determination and the exercise of their rights.
• Practice Orientation: Close connection to the grassroots and integration of the experiences of counseling centers into political processes.