Emergency fund for Ukraine and new report on trafficking risks for Ukrainian refugees

Written on 15 June 2022.

In February, La Strada International established an emergency fund to support Ukrainian colleagues to remain safe, flee the country and access shelter, or receive emergency support when needed. Donations to the emergency fund can be made via their website or via bank transfer.

In March, LSI organised a webinar with representatives of civil society in Ukraine. The aim was to direct attention towards the situation in the country, prompted by Russia’s invasion, paying particular attention to the support provided by civil society organisations to people in vulnerable conditions. It also focused on what civil society actors in Europe can do to support the Ukrainian people.

In partnership with Freedom Fund, La Strada International conducted a rapid assessment of the current gaps in the counter-trafficking response to the war in Ukraine. The Russian invasion of the country has resulted in one of the largest movements of people in Europe since the Second World War, and anti-trafficking organisations are concerned about vulnerable Ukrainians being targeted for sexual and labour exploitation by organised criminal groups and individuals.

The aim of the rapid assessment was to identify which groups of people are particularly at risk and why. The key findings included that those who are at greater risk include unaccompanied children, undocumented migrants and people who do not have access to temporary protection offered in EU countries. This situation will worsen if the war continues, and more people are forced to flee Ukraine.

The report, titled Preventing human trafficking of refugees from Ukraine. A rapid assessment of risks and gaps in the anti-trafficking response, issues key recommendations for governments, international organisations, civil society, and community leaders with the purpose of addressing the existing gaps in the measures taken to protect people from trafficking.