Meeting with a Representative of the Ključ Society
Ljubljana, February 27, 2018
Introductory Meeting
As part of its program of introductory meetings with related organizations, the representative office of the Cultural Society Dobra Družba (KDDD) met with Katjuša Popovič, the head of the Ključ Society, which provides rehabilitation for victims of human trafficking and offers them safe accommodation. The Ključ Society was founded in 2001 and, after all these years, remains the only specialized non-governmental organization in Slovenia that provides concrete forms of assistance to victims of human trafficking, regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic, or religious affiliation. Katjuša Popovič is also the author of the acclaimed book 'Sold Life,' a biography of a human trafficking victim in the Republic of Slovenia, in which she warned that people and official institutions are still turning a blind eye to the problem, even though it is one of the most widespread and dangerous forms of organized crime.
Discussion and Outcome
After an initial presentation of KDDD's activities and goals, the representative of the Ključ Society detailed the philosophy of her non-governmental organization, which opposes the forced eradication of prostitution. She explained that prostitution can sometimes be just a behavioral disorder, and the reasons why a person decides to earn money by selling their own body are usually complex and multi-layered, far from the stereotypes that have formed in the public mind. Due to the specific nature of the Ključ Society's work, its different work methodology, and varying views on the issue, Katjuša Popovič requested that KDDD not include the Ključ Society in its programs or list it as a project partner. The meeting concluded in a friendly atmosphere, and Ms. Popovič provided us with informational brochures from the Ključ Society, with the hope that we would pass them on to members and sex workers collaborating with KDDD.