For the last 50 years in the Netherlands there has been a policy of toleration toward brothels, sex clubs, and "red-light," "window" prostitution. On October 1, 2000, the bans on brothels and "pimping" were lifted. It is legal to operate a business in which men or women over the age of consent are voluntarily employed as prostitutes. Those operating such businesses must obtain a license from the local authorities and pay taxes. Prostitutes are also obliged to pay taxes and have the right to receive social benefits, health insurance, and a pension. Dutch legislation prohibits sexual exploitation, the forced introduction or keeping of persons into prostitution, and the introduction or keeping of minors into prostitution. Police have the most important role in monitoring the licensed sector of prostitution; however, they lack the capacity to monitor and investigate the unlicensed (illegal) sector. Although the Dutch police have increased their efforts to find and extradite illegal residents in accordance with a policy of strict control of illegal migrants, there is no focused effort to prevent and reduce trafficking in women from other countries for illegal prostitution. In addition, there is little effort to take into custody and protect these women from exploitation. The Netherlands has a long way to go in controlling and reducing forced prostitution and women trafficking. 34 references and 4 notes