Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000: Trafficking in Persons Report

Poland (Tier 2)

Poland is a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking victims. Polish women and girls are trafficked to western European countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland, for sexual exploitation. Victims from Eastern European countries, including Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Belarus, and Russia, are trafficked to Poland.

The Government of Poland does not yet fully meet the minimum standards; however, the Government has made significant efforts to combat trafficking despite a lack of resources. The Government implemented revised anti-trafficking criminal statutes in 1998, with penalties of up to 10 years of imprisonment, roughly commensurate with the penalty for rape. From 1995 to 1999, the authorities investigated 148 trafficking cases, most of which were initiated by the German police. The Government prosecuted 95 of the cases, resulting in 151 convictions and 5 acquittals. Penalties of those convicted ranged up to 10 years’ imprisonment; however, the courts suspended 53 of the sentences. The Government provides small grants to NGO's for victim assistance programs. Victims usually are deported as soon as possible in order to avoid any expenses connected with keeping them in detention. Polish victims are eligible for welfare services. Foreign victims in Poland have no legal status or public resources available to them. There is no provision to allow victims to remain in Poland long enough to pursue legal action against their traffickers.

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