NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING FINLAND

Human trafficking in Finland Finland is both a destination and transit country Number of victims within the assistance system since 2006: 8 adults and 3 children Forced labour the most common form of exploitation No research conducted on the situation

Finnish Framework National action plan against trafficking of human beings adopted in August > currently being revised Bases on three principles: - Victim-centred approach - Human rights based approach - Gender sensitivity

Legal Framework Criminal law 2004 Aliens Act 2006: - reflection period of 30 days to 6 months - temporary residence permit -> conditional on cooperation with authorities - permanent residence permit Immigration Act 2007: provisions on the assistance to the victims of human trafficking

Assistance to the victims of human trafficking Reception centres of Joutseno and Oulu responsible for coordinating assistance to the victims of human trafficking - Joutseno: adult victims - Oulu: child victims Multidisciplinary teams established to give expertise to the directors of the reception centers in decision making concerning the assistance to the victims

Services for victims Accommodation Health care Psychosocial help and therapy Legal aid Education and support to enter labour market Financial support Administrative support Interpreters Guardians for children

Highlight of achievements Amended Immigration Act with provisions on assistance to the victims of human trafficking came into force in January 2007 The amended law is now being implemented and care for victims of trafficking is improving: - a service system is being developed - cooperation and a referral system is being developed - materials about the assistance will be available soon for both victims and assisting parties - education events and training on assistance are being organized at the regional and national level

What remains to be done Developing reintegration schemes: - integration of the victims into the Finnish society - safe returns Setting up a helpline for victims

Thank you