Identification
Who is responsible for identifying a victim of human trafficking?
In Estonia, presumed victims of human trafficking can be identified by the police, prosecutors, specialised non-governmental organisations assisting victims of human trafficking, labour inspectors, social workers, and competent foreign authorities.
Estonia does not have a formally nominated national focal point for the identification of victims of human trafficking. However, in practice, the Social Insurance Board (SIB) acts as a focal point. Additionally, Barnahus, which belongs to the SIB system, may become a central assistance provider for children.
Upon detecting a presumed victim of human trafficking, the victim should be referred to the SIB. SIB is responsible for organising assistance and support services in Estonia.
Formal identification
The formal identification of a person as a victim of THB is linked to the opening of a criminal investigation on human trafficking or a related offence. Therefore, formal identification can be carried out only by law enforcement authorities or the Prosecutor’s Office.
When a referral is made to SIB, SIB informs the law enforcement authorities (the police, border guard or the Prosecutor’s Office) for the initiation of criminal investigation and the formal identification process. Based on the Estonian Victim Support Act, a presumed victim of human trafficking can receive services for up to 14 days until the confirmation of formal identification is received from the Police, the Border Guard Board or the Prosecutor’s Office.
Special procedures for identification of a child victim of human trafficking
The identification of child victims is regulated in the Victim Support Act (§ 25).
According to the act, If the victim’s age is unknown and there are reasons to believe that the person is under the age of 18, the person should be considered a minor until proved otherwise. If the victim has been sexually abused, SIB provides them with regular victim assistance services as well as additional services provided in §29 of the Child Protection Act.
If the victim is an unaccompanied minor, the provisions of the Aliens Act and the Social Welfare Act concerning the provision of support to an unaccompanied minor alien are also taken into account.
The 2022 amendment to the Child Protection Act provides that the local government’s child protection services must refer a presumed sexually abused child, including presumed victims of human trafficking, to a Barnahus. Barnahus is a multi-disciplinary specialised centre that provide a child-friendly environment for the participation of children in criminal proceedings. The aim of Barnahus is to help sexually abused children and children who behave in a sexually abusive manner, following the Child Protection Act (§ 29).
If agreed by the partners, Barnahus can also assist child victims of other types of violence as well as their relatives.
National hotlines for victims of human trafficking
The SIB functions as the national focal point in assisting victims of human trafficking. SIB is the focal point for both adult and child victims of trafficking. SIB operates a human trafficking prevention and counselling helpline. The line is available for everyone. The helpline counsellors can also be reached by email:
- Human trafficking prevention and counselling helpline: +372 660 7320
- Email: [email protected].
In addition, children have helpline number in Estonia: 116111. Child victims that are referred to the SIB through the number are received in Barnahus.