As of early April 2022, over 4 million people, mainly women and children, have fled the war in Ukraine creating one of the largest humanitarian emergencies in Europe in decades and creating opportunities for criminals to take advantage of them. And now with Russia expected to focus more attacks within Eastern Europe, hundreds of thousands more are exprected to be displace within Ukraine as they move west seeking safety.
The uncertainty for those fleeing the violence can be overwhelming. From finding safe transport and shelter to where the next meal will come, individuals are left vulnerable and are at greater risk of being abused.
Mission Without Borders has been at the border crossings in Moldova and Romania since late February helping refugees with hot meals, clothing, emergency supplies, safe transport, counselling, and advice on where they can find shelter through a network of churches and community centres in nearby villages. In many cases the shelter is a short-term solution for just a few nights as the refugees look for more permanent places they can stay in other areas of Europe.
One of the growing risks both the refuges fleeing Ukraine and those displaced within the country is danger of human trafficking. Although many associate human trafficking primarily with the sex trade, predators can use situations such as the mass exodus of Ukraine to take advantage of people in vulnerable situations by offering them solutions for transport, food, and employment.
In some cases, criminals are offering desperate families in Ukraine transport over the border for unreasonable amounts of cash and creating dangerous situations as they attempt to smuggle men out of the country.
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UNICEF and other organizations across Europe are calling for strengthened measures to protect those fleeing Ukraine into neighboring countries.
“The war in Ukraine is leading to massive displacement and refugee flows – conditions that could lead to a significant spike in human trafficking and an acute child protection crisis,” said Afshan Khan, UNICEF’s Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. “Displaced children are extremely vulnerable to being separated from their families, exploited, and trafficked. They need governments in the region to step up and put measures in place to keep them safe.”