Govt mulls new law to assist human trafficking victims

The social affairs and health ministry has set up a working group to draw up a new act to assist victims of human trafficking, said an official press release on Monday.

The aim of the legal reform is to improve the status, rights and equality of victims of human trafficking and to improve the implementation of their human rights.

Chaired by Jari Keinänen, a director at the ministry, the working group has wide-ranging expertise and representation from several ministries, agencies and institutions in different administrative branches, municipalities and organisations.

The work of the group will begin by assessing the current state of assistance available to victims of trafficking in human beings and of legislation affecting the status of the victims in different administrative branches.

Based on its findings, the group will make a proposal on the organisation of the Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking.

After that, the working group will draw up a proposal for a new act to assist human trafficking victims. The bill will include proposals for provisions on safe and supported housing services for victims.

The working group’s mandate runs until the end of 2022.