New agreement signed to support victims of human trafficking in Iceland

A new agreement has been signed to bolster support for victims of human trafficking in Iceland, allowing for a full-time employee to focus on these issues at Bjarkarhlíð, a center for victims of violence. The initiative, backed by a 28 million funding agreement from two government ministries, marks a significant step in addressing trafficking in the country.

According to Jenný Kristín Valberg, team leader at Bjarkarhlíð, this funding is transformative. She stated, “This ensures that for the first time, there is a full-time position dedicated to human trafficking issues in Iceland.” Since the middle of last year, 78 victims from twelve countries have sought assistance at the center, highlighting the pervasive nature of trafficking within the Icelandic community, a concern emphasized by Minister of Justice Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir.

The new employee will act as a liaison among the various agencies dealing with trafficking cases, aiming to establish coordinated procedures and interdisciplinary collaboration to handle these matters effectively. This aligns with recent criticism from international monitoring bodies regarding Iceland’s response to trafficking.

Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, emphasized the importance of reviewing legal frameworks to enhance victims’ situations, especially after a significant labor trafficking case in March raised concerns among multiple victims about their status and job security.

The initiative is seen as a response to recommendations from monitoring agencies and aims to improve the handling of trafficking cases in Icelandic society, providing victims with the opportunity to remain in the country and engage with the justice system effectively.