The shadow side of the industrial investment in Norrbotten - human trafficking may increase

2022-04-28T16:33:16.099Z

Poor wages, shitty housing, undocumented labor and prostitution. These are some of the things that people from poorer countries than Sweden can be exposed to in the shadow of the large industrial investments in Norrbotten.

According to Mats Paulsson at the Gender Equality Authority, there are forecasts that just over 200,000 people will be involved in the establishment of the new industrial initiatives.

This in turn means that there will be a need for labor that performs easier tasks.

- There will be a larger labor immigration to the northern part of Sweden and in this there are elements that take advantage of those who are already having a hard time, he says.

Klondike in northern Sweden

One of the reasons for the increased risk is precisely the speed at which industrial investments are implemented.

- It is clear that it places great demands on society.

The people who are recruited are especially for lighter jobs.

Tilers on construction sites are an example that may take advantage of offers that are far below the level in Sweden, says Mats Paulsson.

New conditions for municipalities and authorities

Previously, there has been work against human exploitation and human trafficking in the county and its municipalities.

But according to Sara Avander, development manager at the county administrative board in Norrbotten, it has mainly concerned berry pickers and people who have been forced into prostitution.

- We have seen that more municipalities turn to us with questions related to the industrial initiatives for support and education.

What we also see is that it is from parts of the municipality that have not heard from them before, she says.

In the previous cases with berry pickers and people who were forced into prostitution, it was mainly the social services that got in touch now, for example, it may be the city building administration that wants guidance.

Long supply chains make it difficult to understand

The fast pace of construction and investments in the billion class - with long supply chains - make it difficult for authorities to gain insight.

- Here, companies have a responsibility to shorten the chains and to ensure that the staff at their workplaces have a decent work and housing situation, says Eva Norlin, regional coordinator in collaboration against prostitution and human trafficking in Region North.

Children's perspective important

According to Sara Avander, there is a risk that the family that accompanies a person may be the victim.

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