Even Finns can be victims of human trafficking
Press release from the Joutseno Reception Centre and the Finnish Immigration Service:
In 2015, the assistance system for victims of human trafficking had 89 clients. The number of new victims of human trafficking within the assistance system was 52 in 2015. A larger proportion of the new clients than before had been exploited for work. The number of female clients was almost twice as high as the number of male clients.
These details are included in an overview of the assistance system for victims of human trafficking published by the Joutseno Reception Centre. The overview was published during the 10th anniversary seminar of the assistance system.
Number of individuals who had become victims in Finland increased slightly
A large percentage of the new clients (62%) had become victims of human trafficking in Finland. This figure was slightly higher than the year before (42%). In their case, the exploitation had taken place, started or continued in Finland. Finns are the second largest group among all clients of the assistance system.
‘In Finland, the identification of Finnish victims of human trafficking has improved. There is a greater awareness of the fact that human trafficking exists also in Finland and that even Finns can become victims,’ says Adviser Terhi Tafari.
In 2015, the number of clients did not change significantly and, for example, the increased number of asylum seekers did not have a substantial impact on the assistance system. The number of new clients within the assistance system is approximately 40–60 each year, and the yearly number of clients has been between 80 and 90. Some clients leave the system and are referred to other help services.
The figures only include identified victims of human trafficking
Clients of the assistance system for victims of human trafficking can be offered advice and guidance, social and health care services, reception allowance or social assistance, safe accommodation and interpretation and translation services. Clients of the assistance system also have the right to assisted voluntary return if they want to return to their home country. They also have the right to receive legal aid according to law as well as legal advice.
The figures in the overview only include cases known to the assistance system. They do not tell the whole truth about the extent of trafficking in human beings in Finland. It is possible that the number of victims is somewhat higher than the statistics show.
Further information for the media:
Director Jari Kähkönen, tel. 0295 463 210, firstname.lastname@intermin.fi
Senior Adviser Katri Lyijynen, tel. 0295 463 223, firstname.lastname@intermin.fi
Adviser Terhi Tafari, tel. 0295 463 240, firstname.lastname@intermin.fi
The e-mail address of the assistance system for victims of human trafficking: ihmiskauppa.auttamisjarjestelma@intermin.fi
The information line of the assistance system for victims of human trafficking (open 24 hours every day): 0295 463 177
Attachment: Overview of the assistance system for victims of human trafficking in 2015
INTERNAL SECURITY FUND (ISF-P)
- POLICE COOPERATION, PREVENTING AND COMBATTING CRIME, AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT
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