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Українська Our Areas of Work
- Countering Human Trafficking
- Countering Gender-Based Violence
How to Protect Yourself from Human Trafficking
Learn how to recognize risks and protect yourself from exploitation. Key information on safe migration and employment to avoid becoming a victim of human trafficking.
527
National Hotline on Combating Exploitation
Dreams of a better job or a new life can sometimes turn into danger. Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery and a violation of human rights that remains relevant in the 21st century for every country in the world, including Ukraine. Exploiters profit by controlling and exploiting other people. This problem can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, education, or social status. It occurs both in Ukraine and abroad.
Attention
Every year about 600,000 – 800,000 people worldwide are trafficked abroad for exploitation (according to U.S. government estimates). Exploitation can occur both within the country and beyond its borders, and recruiters are most often familiar people – those who are trusted.
Main tips
1
Check the legality of the job and documents before departure
- Before signing any agreements or traveling abroad, make sure that the company and intermediary have a valid employment license.
- Carefully read the contract, keep a copy, and check the working conditions, salary, and accommodation.
- It is better to consult a lawyer or the employment service to ensure the legality of the offer.
2
Do not give your passport and other documents to third parties
- Your passport is your primary means of identification and protection. If taken by others, it may become the first step toward exploitation.
- Keep your documents with you. If an employer insists on keeping them, provide officially certified copies and keep the originals yourself.
3
Always leave copies of your documents and the employer’s contact information with your relatives
- Before leaving, inform your relatives of the exact address of your workplace and residence, phone numbers, and the employer’s contact details.
- Leave copies of your passport, employment contract, and other important documents. This will allow your relatives to quickly contact the relevant authorities in case of danger or loss of communication.
4
Keep hotline numbers and the contacts of the Ukrainian consulate with you.
- Save in your phone and on paper the hotline numbers for combating human trafficking, as well as the contact details of the nearest Ukrainian consulate or embassy.
- In a critical situation, these numbers may be your only way to receive help and protection.
You can contact the Coalition, as our representatives operate in every region of Ukraine Coalition Representatives
Following these simple rules will help protect you from fraud, exploitation, and violence. Remember: your safety begins with caution and awareness.
Counter–Trafficking NGO CoalitionPress service
Summary
Human trafficking remains a real threat, especially when seeking employment abroad. To reduce risks, it is important to act in advance and responsibly. First of all, you need to check the legality of the job and documents, never hand over your passport to third parties, and leave copies of your documents and the employer’s contacts with your relatives. Equally important is to keep hotline numbers and the contacts of Ukrainian diplomatic institutions with you.
Important
Helplines
Don’t stay alone – support is near. Start with a call
527 – Against exploitation
1547 – Against human trafficking
116 123 – Domestic violence prevention
112 – Emergency assistance
102 – National Police
Practical Tips «How to Protect Yourself»
FAQ
Human Trafficking
It is a crime in which a person is deceived, blackmailed, or coerced into exploitation (labor, sexual, forced begging, criminal activity, or organ removal).
Gender-Based Violence
It is violence directed against a person because of their sex or gender identity. Most often, women and girls are affected.
Important Helplines
If you are aware of a crime, contact the police or call:
