New study on vulnerability to trafficking in persons in the context of the war in Ukraine

A new study titled "Vulnerability to trafficking in persons in the context of the war in Ukraine" was launched in September 2024. The primary aim of this research, led by IOM (as co-chair of the Europe regional anti-trafficking task force, under the UNHCR-led Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) protection working group), with the contributions of UNODC, UNHCR and other local partners, was to understand the extent and dynamics of vulnerabilities faced by Ukrainian refugees in Poland and Romania that may increase their risk of becoming victims of trafficking. This research evaluates their vulnerability to abuse, violence and exploitation (including labour related forms of exploitation), the nature and scale of problems and challenges experienced by Ukrainian refugees currently residing in both countries since being forcibly displaced from Ukraine.

The main highlights of the study include:

1. Confirmation of increased, dynamic, and multifaceted vulnerability: Vulnerability to trafficking in this context was found to be is multi-level, multi-faceted, and dynamic, and based on a range of personal, situational and contextual factors. For some Ukrainian refugees, adverse individual circumstances - such as poverty, lack of financial resources, and health problems - combine with specific situational or contextual influences, including increasing conditionality of socio-economic support, experiences of discrimination, and language barriers, to push them into cycles of adversity where they are more likely to experience abuse, violence and exploitation, including human trafficking. The statistical analysis suggests that for Ukrainian refugee respondents in this study, older age, financial insecurity, and discrimination significantly increase the likelihood of facing challenges and abuse. Discrimination had the most substantial impact.
2. The need for continued protection measures: Experiences of abuse, violence, and exploitation were not widespread and were reported by only a minority of respondents – 13 per cent in Poland and 7 per cent in Romania. However, over half of the respondents in both countries reported facing at least one challenge since leaving Ukraine, with health and financial issues being the most common. For those who did report experiences of abuse, violence, or exploitation, working without receiving the expected payment was the most common issue in Poland, while in Romania deception into travel and unpaid work were the most common concern. Employment barriers, including language difficulties and unrecognized qualifications, increased refugees' vulnerability to exploitation. Discrimination was a significant concern, with many respondents reporting negative experiences and prejudice in accessing housing, employment, and services. Specific groups, such as Ukrainian Roma and those with disabilities, faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic discrimination and lack of adequate support mechanisms. Sustained measure are needed to address these issues as a means of reducing vulnerability to trafficking.
3. Recommendations: The study suggests enhanced protection-centred better, rights-based, and targeted interventions; safe pathways to protection and services; and renewed international cooperation to combat trafficking more effectively