Most Human Trafficking Cases Go Unnoticed

”The number is quite low compared to how many victims are thought to be transported through Finland. There is probably no way to improve the situation other than to teach people how to recognise cases of human trafficking,” says Sirpa Kansanaho, the director of the Oulu Refugee Reception Centre.

Five years ago, the centre began working with police and border guard officials to help minors who are victims of human trafficking. Most of the victims are female. The youngest was nine years old.

Finland is considered a transit country for the majority of victims found here. The victims are to be sent to other European countries, potentially to work as prostitutes.

Once found, some of the victims are returned to their home countries. Others receive residence permits in Finland. The work is complicated by the fact that the children do not necessarily understand they are victims of human trafficking.

”Victims are promised a great deal in their home countries. In our opinion, they don’t know what was really going to happen to them. If the victim does not understand the situation, than he or she does not see the need for help. They could initially see us as a threat and not understand that we are trying to help,” says Hanna Myllykangas of the Oulu Centre.

Currently, Finland has two reception centres that work with victims of human trafficking. The centre in Oulu works with minors. Another centre in Joutseno, in southeast Finland, deals with adults, families and groups.