Every year, Ukraine celebrates the European Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings, an event designed to raise awareness about one of the most serious crimes against human rights. Human trafficking is a global problem that knows no borders and harms millions of people. Unfortunately, in the context of the war in Ukraine, this threat has become even more urgent.
What is human trafficking? It is a criminal activity in which people are forced to work for the benefit of others by deception, force or through vulnerability. Forms of exploitation can be diverse, including:
- sexual exploitation;
- labor slavery;
- forced begging;
- illegal organ removal;
- forced marriage, etc.
Many people may not even realize that they have already become victims of this crime. That is why it is so important to recognize the signs and seek help in a timely manner.
Who is most vulnerable? In times of war, mass displacement and economic instability, the most vulnerable are:
- internally displaced persons: people forced to leave their homes, becoming easy prey for exploiters due to lack of resources, work and housing;
- migrants: Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety and work, often find themselves in situations of exploitation due to language barriers, lack of support and ignorance of their rights;
- women and children, who often become victims of sexual exploitation or forced begging;
- men who are used for hard labour in dangerous conditions;
- people who remain in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region - they become targets for illegal exploitation due to lack of access to legal aid and social protection.
What to do and where to turn for help? If you or your loved ones suspect that you have become a victim of human trafficking, it is important to act immediately. Don’t be silent - seek 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 a mobile or landline) or 116-123 (from a mobile).
National Police of Ukraine Hotline: 0-800-500-202/102
Contact center of the free legal aid system: 0-800-213-103
National Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Counseling Hotline: 527
EU Emergency Service: 112
National Children's Hotline: 0-800-500-225 or short number 116-111
Hotline for the prevention of domestic violence, human trafficking and gender discrimination: 0 800 500 335 or short number 116 123
Government consultation line on child safety on the Internet:
1545 (dial 3), +38-044-205-37-36; 205-36-94 (for calls from abroad).
The importance of awareness and engagement: Human trafficking is a hidden crime and is difficult to recognize without proper awareness. That is why it is important to share information and support victims. Each of us can help prevent this crime by spreading information and supporting those in need.