The report examines Finnish employment services for victims of human trafficking and exploitation from abroad.
The report states that various structural challenges make it difficult to employ victims of trafficking. Victims of labor exploitation usually do not have access to integration services, as most of them spend their integration time in difficult circumstances, such as forced labor. In addition, employment offices do not have enough time to think about the situation of victims of human trafficking.
“Many employment offices are unfamiliar with human trafficking. To meet the service needs of victims and prevent them from reforming, employment offices around the country need clear guidelines for identifying and supporting victims,” says the project manager. Veikko Mäkelä on a national assistance system for victims of trafficking in human beings.
Victims need more flexible paths to work
Every year, Finnish officials identify hundreds of victims of human trafficking with a foreign background who are legally residing in Finland, as well as, for example, people who have been exploited in working life, who have experienced sexual exploitation or been forced into marriage. The victims have many different backgrounds. Utilization history can also affect their functional and work abilities in many ways. Therefore, victims need personal support.
“Victims of labor abuse can get a false picture of working life and workers’ rights in Finland because their former employer has given them false information. This directly affects their skills in working life and finding a job in a fair labor market,” says the researcher. Anna-Greta Pekkarinen from HEUNI.
According to the report’s findings, victims of trafficking and exploitation need more flexible employment and integration services. It would be easier for people who have been abused to find integration and rehabilitation services. The integration of these services should also be facilitated.
Employment services and municipalities need additional training
Employment services must be able to provide personalized services to victims of trafficking and exploitation. The report therefore recommends that employment offices be trained to understand the effects of human trafficking, trauma and exploitation on victims’ ability to work and work. Offices should also be trained to use existing services flexibly to improve the situation and employment opportunities for victims of trafficking. In addition, there is a need for better network cooperation and information exchange between different operators.
Quelle: Finnische Einwanderungsbehörde
Quelle: Die nordische Seite