Every year thousands of children, women and men are victims of human trafficking. The Norwegian Government has launched an action plan that includes a number of new measures to combat human trafficking.
18/01/2007 :: The Government’s aim is to combat all forms of human trafficking, both nationally and internationally. The action plan Stop Human Trafficking outlines 37 measures to facilitate coordinated, coherent efforts to stop trafficking in human beings and ensure that victims are helped and protected.
The new measures include:
- granting presumed victims of human trafficking a temporary work permit for a six-month period, i.e. an extended reflection period
- expanding the free legal counsel scheme and increasing the provision of free legal aid for victims of human trafficking
- providing assistance to ensure safe repatriation and resettlement for victims who wish to return from Norway to their country of origin
“At the core of Norway’s efforts will be a police force that gives priority to preventing and investigating these kinds of cases. We will have support services that take the victims of human trafficking seriously. And in our international efforts we will work to strengthen the international framework and enable the victims to live a life of dignity and freedom,” said Minister of Justice Knut Storberget.
The Norwegian ROSA project offers assistance to women victims of trafficking. In addition to providing a 24-hour crisis telephone service which also provides information on victims’ rights and the assistance available, ROSA offers safe housing, individual follow-up and protection for victims of human trafficking all over the country.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs