As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has reached its third year, La Strada International has published a Case Assessment Report: “Assisting Displaced Persons from Ukraine: Indications of Human Trafficking and Labour Exploitation”.
Since the beginning of the war, LSI and its members have run a variety of programs to support displaced persons from Ukraine, aiming to reduce the risk of human trafficking. Despite these efforts, many of the more than 6.3 million displaced persons from Ukraine are vulnerable to human trafficking.
This report details the findings of a case assessment study, analysing 42 cases among displaced Ukrainians. As expected, labour exploitation was the most prevalent form of exploitation (17 cases), followed by sexual exploitation (13 cases), and criminal exploitation (2 cases). Of the 42 cases, only two people experienced multiple forms of exploitation, while three people were subjected to forced begging. While our members received reports about the exploitation of children, we assisted only a few minors.
The high-risk sectors identified were also in line with our presumptions, with construction, domestic work and agriculture being the most reported. Contrary to initial assumptions, Ukrainian men were found to be more vulnerable to trafficking than women, despite the majority of displaced persons from Ukraine being female.
Another notable finding is that people eligible for temporary protection status remained vulnerable to severe forms of exploitation and abuse. So, despite the prevention activities conducted and their access to rights, these people were still exposed to exploitation and other harm. Our assessment also found evidence of exposure to risks online, with 12 of the 42 cases involving online recruitment.
The report also presents several recommendations to protect displaced persons from human trafficking risks. It urges states to ensure that effective assistance and protection are provided and continued for all refugees and internally displaced people without discrimination. Measures should include safe and sustainable housing and access to decent work.
The Temporary Protection Directive should be adequately applied, and its extension beyond March 2026 must be secured should the war continue, including pathways to long-term residence. For refugees who fall outside the temporary protection system, access to international protection must be ensured. Decent employment for displaced people and refugees should be promoted with government assistance.
While prevention efforts and access to rights have mitigated some risks, this study highlights the continued vulnerabilities of displaced Ukrainians. As the war has continued and enters its fourth year, political momentum has weakened in some countries, leading to policy shifts that restrict protection and, in turn, increase the risk of exploitation.
Copyright: Mirek Pruchnicki | Flickr