On July 30, the world marks the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, drawing attention to this heinous crime that deprives people of their freedom and dignity. Unfortunately, Ukraine remains among the countries whose citizens suffer from human trafficking.
Donetsk region actively joined the celebration of this day. A number of information events were held in the communities: campaigns, roundtables, classes for children and youth, as well as the distribution of materials to recognize the signs of human trafficking and seek help.
At the regional level, the Office for Regional Development and Reconstruction of Donetsk Oblast hosted a meeting of the Coordination Council on Family Policy, Gender Equality, Prevention and Counteraction to Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking.
Deputy Head of Donetsk Regional State Administration Oleksandr Shevchenko emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships and using all opportunities to help victims. He thanked international organizations, NGOs and law enforcement agencies for their support.
More than 110 participants - representatives of government agencies, law enforcement agencies, NGOs and international partners - attended the event.
The issues discussed included developing partnerships, improving interagency cooperation at the community level, identifying victims among vulnerable populations, strengthening awareness-raising and implementing assistance programs.
Head of the Department of Family, Youth and Mass Events of National and Patriotic Education
Oleksandr Shevchenko, Deputy Head of Donetsk Regional State Administration, emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships and using all opportunities to help the victims. He expressed his gratitude to international organizations, NGOs and law enforcement agencies for their support.
More than 110 participants - representatives of government agencies, law enforcement agencies, NGOs and international partners - attended the event.
The issues discussed included developing partnerships, improving interagency cooperation at the community level, identifying victims among vulnerable populations, strengthening awareness-raising and implementing assistance programs.
Lilia Zolkina, Head of the Department for Family, Youth and Mass Events of National and Patriotic Education of the Regional State Administration, noted: "An important challenge is to identify victims of human trafficking among vulnerable populations, including the unemployed, rural residents, children and youth, IDPs and other risk groups. Therefore, we must not stand aside but provide all possible assistance."
Combating human trafficking is a common cause. Only by combining the efforts of the state, the public and international partners can we effectively combat this phenomenon and provide assistance to those in need.
If you witness or suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking, please immediately report it to the police or contact the following numbers for help:
Government hotline:
15-47 (for citizens of Ukraine)
+38044284-19-15 (for citizens abroad)
National hotline for the prevention of domestic violence, human trafficking and gender discrimination:
0-800-500-335 (from mobile or landline)
116-123 (from mobile)
Hotline of the National Police of Ukraine: 0-800-500-202 / 102
Contact center of the free legal aid system: 0-800-213-103
Hotline for combating exploitation: 527
National children's hotline: 0-800-500-225 or 116-111