Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, 6.9 million people have fled the country, most of them women and children. Another three and a half million are currently internally displaced.
In times of war, people are more vulnerable to human trafficking.
Internally displaced populations and refugees – forced to flee their homes and sometimes in dire economic need – are targeted by traffickers and may be deceived or forced into exploitation as they seek safety, accommodation and a source of income.
Cases of Ukrainians being exploited have been identified both inside and outside the country.
For example, over 50 newly identified cases of trafficking for sexual exploitation have been investigated since the beginning of the full-scale invasion inside the country, according to research by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Outside Ukraine, there has been an increase in the number of Ukrainians identified as victims of trafficking, particularly in the European Union (EU). In some cases, the perpetrators are providers of accommodation to Ukrainian women and children in refugee-hosting countries.
However, the increase in the EU has been limited due to the comprehensive anti-trafficking measures put in place since the beginning of the conflict, combined with the granting of temporary protection status and the possibility of visa-free travel for Ukrainian citizens. These measures have helped to reduce the vulnerability of Ukrainian refugees and mitigate the risk of trafficking in EU countries.
In Ukraine, the authorities have actively worked to support those who have suffered abuse: around 17 victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation were assisted in Ukraine during 2023. To help the authorities prevent this crime and protect vulnerable people, UNODC has expanded anti-human trafficking activities and its team of experts in the country.
“The determination and professionalism of Ukrainian law enforcement and criminal justice professionals is admirable,” said Harsheth Virk, Head of the UNODC Office in Ukraine. “They are working hard to ensure effective investigations and prosecutions of human trafficking and the protection of victims.”
The UN has documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine and human trafficking for sexual exploitation, affecting men, women, girls and boys.
The two crimes share many common features but also important differences.
“We have come a long way in terms of better understanding the complex interrelationship between human trafficking and sexual violence in conflict, but justice and accountability remain elusive,” said Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.
Both these crimes can be categorized as sexual and reproductive violence, with similar physical and psychological impacts on victims.
Trafficking for sexual exploitation, often linked to financial gain, can qualify as conflict-related sexual violence, occurring near conflict zones or within displacement contexts.
“Human trafficking for sexual exploitation leaves a devastating impact on the victims, causing severe psychological trauma, physical harm, social isolation and long-term mental health issues,” Patten added.
UNODC has extensive experience with survivor-centred and gender-sensitive responses to sexual violence as part of its work to prevent and combat human trafficking.
In Ukraine, the UN Office has provided comprehensive support to the anti-trafficking professionals in addressing this problem in the context of the conflict.
UNODC Programme Office in Ukraine has trained, advised and coached numerous Ukrainian law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges on all aspects of human trafficking, including identifying trafficking cases, collecting evidence, investigating and prosecuting offences and securing convictions.
The Office has also assisted Ukraine in working with other countries and international organizations on cases of human trafficking among refugees and cross-border cooperation.
Other activities have included raising awareness of the crime, conducting research and analysis, and supporting the provision of assistance to victims.
Learn more about UNODC’s work in combatting human trafficking in the context of armed conflict here.
