UN wants to protect Ukrainian refugees from human traffickers

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

Ugochi Daniels, operations manager for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), told AFP that “human trafficking has been a problem in the past and we are taking the initiative because we know how many traffickers can adapt to the environment” with AFP.

He didn't know a case at his service at the time, but stressed that “that doesn't mean things didn't happen,” claiming that many people who migrated 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 have been 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 thousands of victims of human trafficking and helped them.

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

Daniels emphasized that the focus was on providing practical and important information to those who ran 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 street 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 information session relate to human trafficking. ”

- Discrimination? -

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

The agency paid particular 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 treating people in Africa or Asia.

However, Daniels explained 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 biggest population curse since World War II.

“There's nothing better than the generosity of governments, önegés, churches and citizens,” he said.