World day against human trafficking: EU works to combat trafficking, including against Ukrainian refugees

On the world day against trafficking in persons, 30 July, the EU has shared a dedicated webpage dedicated to its fight against human trafficking, including in the context of Russia’s all-out war against Ukraine.

“Every year, thousands of people are identified as victims of human trafficking in the EU,” says the page. “The EU and its member states have taken many measures to fight trafficking in human beings and are stepping up their efforts to stop this heinous crime. In 2023 alone, 457 arrests were made and €4.1 million were seized thanks to EU action.”

The page says that criminal organisations were active on the EU-Ukraine border before the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but “Russia’s aggression has increased traffickers’ opportunities, as reported recruitment attempts by traffickers confirm”.

“The war has caused millions to flee their homes and seek refuge outside Ukraine. They are particularly vulnerable to human traffickers. We, the EU, are committed to protecting them and to keeping them safe,” the page says.

EU countries work together to combat criminals in Ukraine through EMPACT. An example of this cooperation is the EU joint police operation against criminal gangs using websites and social media to groom Ukrainian refugees for sexual and labour exploitation.

In May 2022, the EU adopted an anti-trafficking plan for Ukraine, which includes emergency 24-hour helplines for potential victims, awareness material at border checkpoints and registration centres, and regular newsletters, as well as a dedicated EU website for refugees.

“Since the first day of the war, the EU and its member states have been at the forefront of efforts to prevent and combat trafficking,” said Charles Michel, President of the European Council. “In March 2022, they activated the temporary protection directive, giving millions of refugees from Ukraine access to the labour market, health, social care and education. In one move, this made them less vulnerable and susceptible to trafficking.”

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Press release