Preventing child trafficking: CBSS holds multidisciplinary expert workshop in Rovaniemi

What are the best practices for preventing child trafficking and identifying violence against children? These were among the key questions addressed at a CBSS expert workshop held in Rovaniemi, Finland, from 29 November to 1 December 2023. The workshop, attracting experts from both anti-human trafficking and child protection sectors, was organised by the current Finnish Presidency of the CBSS.

The workshop saw participation from two CBSS expert groups – the Task Force Against Trafficking in Human Beings (TF-THB), and the Expert Group on Children at Risk (CAR). The focus was on examining various scenarios in which professionals have recognised children as victims of human trafficking and exploring the most effective multidisciplinary approaches for supporting an abused child.

Key discussions included strategies to encourage children to accept help, even when they perceive themselves as benefiting from the abuse, and deliberations on implementing the principle of impunity to protect children forced into committing crimes due to human trafficking.

Following this event, further workshops with similar objectives are planned for spring 2024. These will cover topics such as preventing the abuse of Ukrainian refugee families through successful integration and support services, strengthening criminal responsibility for child trafficking, and identifying best practices for preventing online sexual abuse of children.

Work against human trafficking during CBSS’ Finnish presidency 

This workshop is part of the activities undertaken during the Finnish CBSS Presidency, which is notably focused on enhancing expertise and cooperation in preventing human trafficking and violence against children. Finland’s presidency of the CBSS, running from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, emphasises comprehensive security, crisis preparedness, and resilience as its cross-cutting themes.

During this presidency, the TF-THB and the CAR will collaborate closely, particularly on the issue of child trafficking. On this topic, their activities will include strengthening cooperation as well as sharing best practices, research data and practical know-how, to support decision-making and the development of action plans.

Additionally, Finland aims to increase awareness within the Baltic Sea Region about receiving war refugees, particularly in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The successful reception and integration of all migrants, for various reasons, is also seen as vital in preventing work-related exploitation and human trafficking.

More information: 

• Venla Roth, Government Anti-Trafficking Coordinator of Finland 
  Tel. +358 295 150 011
• Marjo Malja, Ministerial Counsellor, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of Finland
• Saara Pihlaja, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Justice of Finland
• Email format: [email protected]