No to slavery: a panel discussion was held in Zaporizhzhia for the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

How widespread are cases of human trafficking? What forms of this crime exist? How can victims be helped? Representatives of regional and local authorities, cybersecurity specialists, law enforcement officers, human rights defenders, and civic activists sought answers to these questions during a panel discussion organized by the Department of Social Protection of the Regional State Administration.

The meeting was dedicated to the World Day against Trafficking in Persons. According to Lyudmyla Bukharina, Deputy Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, human trafficking is not just a crime. It is a gross violation of human rights that destroys destinies, cripples lives, and undermines human dignity. In the context of war, millions of Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes, which has made them more vulnerable to exploitation.

– Zaporizhzhia region, as a frontline area, feels these challenges particularly acutely. Our task is to unite the efforts of the authorities, law enforcement bodies, civil society organizations, and international partners to effectively counter this phenomenon. Today’s discussion is not just an exchange of views. It is an opportunity to strengthen our cooperation, address new challenges, and find common solutions to protect our citizens. We must be united in our determination to protect every person, especially the most vulnerable groups of the population, from all forms of exploitation, – the official emphasized.

In the Zaporizhzhia region, more than 222,000 internally displaced persons are registered. Among them are about 124,000 women, over 97,000 men, and 40,000 children. IDPs are one of the most vulnerable groups that may fall into the traps of traffickers.

– Many of these people lost their documents due to hostilities, suffered physical and psychological trauma. Some of them have experienced sexual, physical, psychological, and economic violence. In the temporarily occupied territory, many Ukrainian citizens are subjected to various forms of exploitation, – noted Marina Notanova, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Protection.

Last year, the representative office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Zaporizhzhia region received 43 appeals, and this year – 20 appeals, related to the observance of human rights and the granting of the status of a person affected by human trafficking. This was reported by the Ombudsman’s representative, Mykhailo Volkov. Over time, the number of such appeals is expected to grow.

– In my opinion, first of all, it is necessary to strengthen information and awareness-raising efforts. Secondly, we should strive to prevent the stigmatization of issues related to human trafficking. We have no right to disclose information. A single case of disclosure of personal data would lead to a complete collapse of trust in state institutions. Therefore, the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights is preparing informational materials that we distribute. We are grateful for the assistance of the National Police and the civil sector, – said Mykhailo Volkov.

Nazarii Kuzemka, a specialist with the regional protection team of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ukraine, presented IOM statistics on human trafficking. In particular, in 2024, 297 victims of exploitation were identified in Ukraine. Every fourth of them was an internally displaced person. IOM research shows that men suffer the most from human trafficking. Among the victims, 53% were men and 47% women.

– The International Organization for Migration provides victims with medical treatment, examinations and medicines, psychological and legal assistance, as well as help in restoring documents. We also have a rehabilitation center where trafficking survivors can undergo comprehensive rehabilitation. IOM supports families with food, hygiene products, and clothing. Another type of assistance is grants for education, provision of professional equipment, and support in starting a business, – informed Nazarii Kuzemka.

– Our enemies operate through dating websites. They contact our citizens through certain messengers – usually targeting young girls. Children now have many different platforms for communication, for example in games. There, the enemy works “on trust,” and later asks for photo materials to be further used on pornographic platforms. We draw parents’ attention to this, – said Ivan Uhrianyuk, Deputy Head of the Cybercrime Countering Department in Zaporizhzhia region.

Summarizing the discussion, moderator Maryna Notanova thanked all the speakers for their active stance and readiness to join the important work of countering human trafficking.

– Only together can we build a society where every person will be safe and have the opportunity to live a dignified life, – concluded Maryna Notanova, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Protection.