Since millions of refugees who have escaped the war in Ukraine can become prey for all kinds of traffickers, the UN hopes 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: “In the past, human trafficking was a problem and we knew to what extent human trafficking could adapt to the environment, so we took the initiative.
He did not know that any situation could benefit him at the time, but he stressed that “it does not mean that things didn't happen,” arguing that many people who were migrating were “in desperate need of transportation.”
-Kids-
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.
UN agencies have enhanced equipment and services to help refugees eager to leave their homes with little to no items.
Daniels emphasized that the focus is on providing practical and important information to those who are escaping the war: who to contact, choices, 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 in the briefing are related to human trafficking.”
- Discrimination? -
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), which has 200 employees in Ukraine and 100 in neighboring countries, also provides humanitarian assistance to displaced persons.
The Organization paid special attention to citizens of other conflict-affected countries who were forced to leave Ukraine, but they do not necessarily enjoy the same rights as Ukrainians in the host country.
To date, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has registered about 162,000 people, and the United Nations has responded to treatment aimed at Africans or Asians.
However, Daniels said that it looked like an isolated event 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.