Finland´s ranking improves in US report on human trafficking

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Finland was raised from tier two to tier one in an annual report put out by the United States State Department on trafficking in humans.
      In a previous report there were complaints of inadequate legislation, and reports of a sex concentration camp in Finnish Lapland. This year’s report states that Finland has "made progress" in the prevention of trade in humans.
      There still are some problems. Finland is seen as a transit country for trafficking in women from Russia, China, and to some extent from Moldova, Thailand, and the Caucasus region. The report stipulates that Finland is a transit country for victims whose final destination is other European countries, and possibly even the United States.
     
Finland is also seen as a destination in human trafficking linked with forced labour. Both men and women are taken from Russia, Estonia, Turkey, and Asia to be exploited mainly on construction sites, in restaurants, or as domestic servants.
      The report praises Finland for drawing up a national anti-human trafficking programme last year, which has improved protection extended toward the victims, and stopped the practice of nearly automatic deportations.
      The report nevertheless recommends further measures, such as an official witness protection system, and the training of prosecutors and judges in the implementation of new legislation.
      Finnish border guards have been given additional training in the prevention of human trafficking.
     
Countries in tier three are deemed worthy of economic sanctions for the prevalence of human trafficking. The group includes 12 countries. In addition to them, 32 others, including Russia, are on a watch list, and in danger of falling from tier two to tier three.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Minister of Justice Koskinen rejects U.S. claims of trade in women (16.10.2003)
  U.S. report on human trafficking shows Finland in a poor light (13.6.2003)
  Finland found to be transit point for traffic in women from east to west (11.3.2005)

Helsingin Sanomat