Iris – Human rights, fair treatment, humanity, protection

The action plans and treaties on fighting human trafficking emphasise the importance of NGOs (in Finland also called the third sector) in work against trafficking in human beings. Pro Centre Finland has been proactive in fighting human trafficking for many years, both at a grass-roots and a structural level.

The Pro Centre has participated in discussions on human trafficking since the beginning of the 21st century. At that time, the investigation of the phenomenon was still confined to the links between prostitution and trafficking in human beings. Since then, also other forms of human trafficking have been included in the discussion.

In 2007–2009, the Pro Centre realised a special project, funded by Finland’s Slot Machine Association (RAY), which focused on the role of NGOs in their fight against human trafficking. The project gathered and produced information on human trafficking and other closely related phenomena in Finland. The project also monitored and evaluated the National Referral Mechanism (NRM, also referred to as a system for victim assistance) for human trafficking victims. Within the project, training was given to professionals in strategic positions working at identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking.

Since the ending of the special project, combatting human trafficking – Iris work – has been carried out at the Pro Centre as a part of its key activities. “Iris” is a Finnish acronym derived from the Finnish for human rights (ihmisoikeudet), fair treatment (reilu kohtelu), humanity (inhimillisyys), and protection (suojelu). These form the basis for the organisational activities of the Pro Centre in fighting human trafficking.

True to its main objective, the Pro Centre focuses on the field of prostitution and sex work in fighting human trafficking. On a more general level, we also monitor the implementation of human rights for the mobile population and those in especially vulnerable positions. We also monitor how measures against human trafficking affect these groups.

This section presents our work against human trafficking. Here you can also find additional information on legislation and conventions related to human trafficking.