European Anti-Trafficking Day – 18 October

On 18th Ocotober the European Union marks the European Anti-Trafficking Day to raise awareness of human trafficking, show support for victims, and highlight the measures being taken to combat trafficking at both local and EU level.

In Finland, the National Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking (NAS) is the national expert authority responsible for anti-trafficking work. Its statutory duties include providing guidance and advice. Exploitation in its various forms, and human trafficking in particular, can be difficult to understand and recognise. Providing training on key issues helps raise awareness, share accurate information and equip frontline professionals to better identify human trafficking and its victims

The NAS provides training to a wide range of organisations

NAS experts provide training to a wide range of organisations. The main topics covered include the NAS and its functions, human trafficking as a phenomenon (with a particular focus on issues such as labour exploitation, forced marriage and sexual exploitation, depending on the interests and needs of the participants), and how to identify victims, approach them appropriately and refer them to the NAS. The training also usually includes the latest statistics. Training sessions can be tailored to the specific needs of each organisation to ensure that the content is relevant and practical.

Around 30 training sessions are scheduled for this year. Participants have included the Finnish Border Guard, Employment Services in various cities, trade unions, Wellbeing Services Counties, HUS , ministries, reception centres and several government agencies. Training has also been provided as part of larger projects and at international conferences.

In addition, the NAS coordinates eight regional anti-trafficking cooperation networks (IKV), which meet twice a year. Each meeting includes a training session or an information package delivered by the NAS on a range of anti-trafficking topics.