Chernihiv joined the All-Ukrainian campaign “Danger is not immediately visible!”

On October 18, 2017, public activists and representatives of government agencies in Chernihiv held an information and educational campaign aimed at drawing the attention of citizens and the media to the problem of human trafficking.

October 18 is the European Day for Combating Human Trafficking. The fact of its celebration is a reminder of the need to join efforts to combat this shameful phenomenon, effectively prosecute and punish human traffickers, identify and provide comprehensive assistance to victims, and conduct preventive and prophylactic work among risk groups, especially among young people.

According to a study commissioned by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), since 1991, more than 230,000 Ukrainians have been victims of human trafficking, making Ukraine one of the main countries of origin of victims of modern slavery in Europe. Since 2000, the IOM Office in Ukraine has provided assistance to almost 14,000 victims of modern slavery. In the first six months of 2017 alone, the IOM Office identified 639 victims of human trafficking for the purpose of labor and sexual exploitation in 23 countries, including Ukraine. This figure is 30% higher compared to the same period in 2016.

As part of the All-Ukrainian campaign, mass events were held in many regions of Ukraine. During the event, printed materials on the relevant topic were distributed, the organizers actively interacted with the media, social advertising was distributed, the number of the National Free Hotline for Combating Human Trafficking and Counseling Migrants was promoted (free numbers

0800-505-501

and

527

– free for landline users and mobile operators) and balloons with the hotline number were distributed to parents with children as a sign of support for the processes of reducing human trafficking in Europe.

The event was organized by the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights with the assistance of the Department of Family, Youth and Sports of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration, the Department of Family, Youth and Sports of the Chernihiv City Council, the Service for Children of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration, the Chernihiv Center for Social and Psychological Rehabilitation of Children, the Department of the State Migration Service in Chernihiv Region, the Chernihiv City Center for Social Services for Family, Children and Youth, the Main Police Department of Ukraine in Chernihiv Region and with the support of the IOM Representative Office in Ukraine.