UN wants to protect Ukrainian refugees from human traffickers

Since millions of refugees who have escaped the war in Ukraine are potential prey for traffickers of all kinds, the UN wants to quickly resolve these issues in order to protect women, children and the most vulnerable.

Ugochi Daniels, Operations Manager of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), told AFP that “human trafficking was a problem in the past and we are taking the initiative because we know how much human traffickers can adapt to the environment” with AFP.

He did not know any case at his service at the time, but stressed that “it does not mean that things did not happen”, claiming that many people who were migrating were “desperate for transportation.”

-Children-

Since the Russian army stormed Ukraine on February 24, half of the 3 million people who sought refuge in one of the countries bordering Ukraine were children. The UN warns that unaccompanied minors are particularly at risk.

Human trafficking was a problem in Ukraine even before the conflict. In 2021 alone, the International Migration Organization identified and helped thousands of victims of human trafficking.

To help refugees who are in a hurry to leave their homes, they rarely carry supplies, UN agencies have stepped up equipment and services.

Daniels emphasized that the emphasis was on providing practical and important information to those who run away from the war: who to contact, options, bus routes, transport companies they trust, etc.

Daniels said, “I've heard stories of people boarding planes on the road and offering their own vehicles.” It's often seen as a gesture of solidarity, but it can actually be a trap. The same goes for vacancies.

However, officials pointed out that many refugees are fully aware of the risks. “Half of the questions raised during the briefing session are related to human trafficking.”

- Discrimination? -

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), which has a team of 200 people in Ukraine and 100 employees in neighboring countries, also provides humanitarian assistance to displaced persons.

The agency paid special attention to citizens of other conflict-affected countries who were forced to leave Ukraine, but they did not necessarily have the same rights as Ukrainians in the host country.

To date, the International Migration Organization has registered about 162,000 people, and the United Nations has responded to the treatment arranged for people in Africa or Asia.

However, Daniels has stated that it seemed to be an isolated case anyway. “We don't see systematic discrimination.”

He also praised international mobilization in the face of Europe's largest population curse since World War II.

“There is nothing better than the generosity of governments, Önegés, churches and citizens,” he said.