Following the global trend, menneskehandel (human trafficking) and sexkjøp (purchase of sex) are increasing in volume in Norway.  Several years ago, the Norwegian government created a plan of action called ‘Stop Human Trafficking’ aimed to combat all forms of human trafficking, domestically and internationally.  The measures included granting victims 6-month residence permits, allowing free legal counsel to victims, and assisting in the effort to return victims to their home countries safely. 

This year the focus is on menneskehandel in Bergen and politiet (the police) are getting creative.  The title of the article in Aftenposten online says it clearly:  Politiet på høye hæler (The police in high heels).  In addition to continuing to try to obtain information from citizens in general, as well as kunder (customers) of halliker (pimps), politiet are sending some of their own out dressed as prostituerte (prostitutes).  The sub-headline reads ‘Politet i Bergen vurderer å kle ut sine egne som prostituerte i jakten på halliker i Bergen.’  The police in Bergen consider dressing their own as prostitutes in the hunt for pimps in Bergen.

According to the UN, 2.5 million people are victims of menneskehandel every year, 40% of whom are children.  There is speculation that Norway is a good transit country for human traffickers because it is relatively easy to smuggle people into the country and the asylum centers are very open.  In fact, just last week, four Chinese children were stolen from an asylum reception center and brought to Stockholm, where they were found in a Chinese couple’s apartment.  The couple is being charged with human trafficking. 

Even in a small and relatvely (geographically) isolated country like Norway, menneskehandelen is still a very real and growing trend.  It’s nice to hear about different methods the Norwegian regjering (government) and politiet are employing to combat this appalling activity.