Non-Discrimination Ombudsman is Finland’s National Rapporteur on trafficking in human beings

Under the Act on the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman (1326/2014) (in Finnish), the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman is nominated as Finland’s National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings.

The Finnish Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, previously known as the Ombudsman for Minorities, was appointed as the National Rapporteur on human trafficking on 1 January 2009. The Non-Discrimination Ombudsman monitors human trafficking and related phenomena, Finland’s compliance with international human rights obligations, and the effectiveness of national legislation.

As Finland’s National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings, the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman has a wide range of duties, ranging from following the work of Finnish authorities and other actors that combat human trafficking to co-operating closely with international actors in the field.

As the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings, the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman co-operates closely, both on an individual and a wider structural level, with the Finnish police and prosecutors, the Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking and other public authorities in Finland, as well as with NGOs and lawyers who assist the victims. In addition, the Ombudsman produces reports, participates in law reform and other developmental projects and provides training for actors in the field.

The Ombudsman has the right to intervene in individual cases of human trafficking when concerns are raised. The Ombudsman may also issue guidelines, proposals, statements and recommendations relevant to improving the action against human trafficking and to the realisation of the rights of the victims. The Ombudsman may also provide legal advice and, in exceptional cases, assist victims of human trafficking at trial.

Non-Discrimination Ombudsman reports to the Finnish Parliament

As Finland’s National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings, one of the key duties of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman is to compile a report on human trafficking and related phenomena in Finland. The Ombudsman submits the report to the Finnish Government and the Finnish Parliament. The report to the Parliament is given every four years. The first report was presented to the Finnish Parliament in 2010. After the report was discussed by the Parliament, several legislative changes were made, including some changes in the Criminal Code of Finland.