Ukraine: Civilian refugees, especially children, are at risk from human traffickers

Civilians fleeing Ukraine are vulnerable to human trafficking at a time when war is raging in their country, according to a new report released today calling for the victims, especially unaccompanied minors, to be registered.

More than 2 million children fled Ukraine after the Russian invasion on February 24, according to the 42-page report by La Strada, a Dutch anti-trafficking organization. The investigation was requested by the British organization Freedom Fund.

“People fleeing the war, especially women and children, are extremely vulnerable and at increased risk of sexual exploitation and (forced) work, while criminal organizations and unscrupulous people are benefiting from the crisis,” the two organizations said in a statement. .

“There is already evidence of human trafficking since the start of the war,” and the risk is likely to increase in the near future as the war continues, “the report said.

The study is based mainly on research conducted in March and April with the help of the UN and interviews with various stakeholders. The two organizations are calling for “urgent” action by European governments and international agencies to register refugees and ensure that they have quick access to protection measures. Unaccompanied minors and children who have been separated from their families should mainly be identified and recorded “as soon as possible”.

Researchers are urging countries to work together to identify missing children and to introduce mandatory checks on unaccompanied minors. They also demand that no adoptions be made, which could lead to the sexual exploitation of children, but instead focus on efforts to reunite with their families.

Other vulnerable groups, such as women, non-Ukrainian citizens and the Roma, should be given appropriate information about the risks they face.

SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ