Human Trafficking and Times of Crisis
By Libedy Hope
In light of recent events involving the crisis, where thousands of people are fleeing Ukraine and trying to escape the conflict unfolding, there is concern for the safety of displaced persons. It is mostly women and children, fleeing, taking terrifying and arduous journeys to borders and crossing into neighbouring countries. With some exemptions, many men aged 18-60 years of age who could be conscripted, remain in Ukraine. Without the right supports and systems, in place, these fleeing women and children could be in a vulnerable position, with reduced capacity to have their rights respected and be at risk of exploitation and abuse. Human traffickers may seek to exploit them and take advantage of this crisis.
Those in emergency situations who are fleeing to escape conflict may find themselves in a situation where usual protective factors are diminished, and their risk of trafficking significantly increases. Additional factors such as a lack of documentation, accurate information pertaining to rights and responsibilities in the new country, social, economic supports and community inclusion can impact vulnerabilities. Furthermore, minorities and those of lower socio-economic status can be at higher risk of falling victim to human traffickers. Traffickers operate in all countries and take advantage of situations of vulnerability.
Silver Lining
While there is a potential risk of falling victim to human trafficking in times of war, many of those fleeing will find shelter, peace, and everything they need to feel safe in their harbouring country! The response on the ground across Romania and the way in which a huge number of governmental authorities, international organisations, as well as NGO’s have been mobilised in Romania and are working around the clock to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those entering is quite remarkable. Many of these, support the process and journeys of those from the moment they enter the country, providing essential support and assistance, helping people with their onward journey, or if they are staying, assisting people to integrate in the new culture and find safe employment opportunities. Several companies have provided job opportunities for refugees in various locations across the country. Social media has also raised the awareness of the needs of those fleeing amongst Romanians, and many have stepped up to offer support. So yes, in every situation of displacement there are risks that those fleeing are exposed to, but with the right resources and information, and community support these risks can be diminished.
How Can You Help
There are numerous ways in which the risks of abuse, exploitation and trafficking in persons can be diminished and the way in which support given can be respectful and more sustainable.
1. Empowerment through information: Accurate and accessible information about safe migration pathways, and support are crucial. Furthermore, ensuring that those entering a new country are informed of their rights and responsibilities as well as provided details of where to obtain credible support are essential. Currently, for Romania an excellent source of regularly updated information can be found at Dopomoha: https://dopomoha.ro/en. It is also important that information and assistance is, wherever possible, provided in the language of the person seeking help to minimise confusion, and to contribute to the migrant’s comfort and relief.
2. Ensuring Accommodation and Transport Options are Safe: Providers of accommodation and or transport should be thoroughly checked and approved by authorities and specalised NGOs. It is recommended that those fleeing conflict obtain accommodation through credible sources to reduce their vulnerability. Additionally, a safe option to transit through Romania is via the free train services offered by CFR Romania.
3. Taking a gender sensitive, trauma informed approach: It is important that female social workers and interpreters are available to provide assistance to females crossing borders. Everyone involved in the support and assistance of those fleeing a crisis situation should provide gender-specific services and services which aim to address gender inequality and or discrimination. Furthermore, all those responding to the crisis should be educated on trauma-informed care to better understand trauma and identify the ways in which they can understand, respect, and respond to the effects of trauma; aid healing and recovery and avoid retraumatising people.
4. Community action and support:
a) What the rest of the population can do to help refugees coming to seek shelter in their country is firstly to be respectful. One must not forget that these people until recently have lived normal lives just like everyone else. There is a common misconception that refugees are poor people who are looking to take advantage of the resources they find in the new country. Regardless of their social status and needs, they should all be treated with the same respect, no one should be discriminated against, and all people should be offered the same opportunities for help!
b) All members of the community should learn to identify warning signs that somebody may be in a situation where they are being taken advantage of or exploited. Reach out to liberatED to join one of our trainings on recognising these signs and taking action! You might be the key to set someone free.
c) Another important aspect is trying to remain neutral when it comes to taking sides. Many times, bias towards a side that is presented as the victim or target of a conflict can lead to the dehumanisation of an entire nationality. Unfortunately, conflicts can mean the displacement of populations from all parties involved and anyone who is trying to escape and is looking for shelter should be given the same assistance regardless of nationality or social status.
5. Listen to those on the ground: The willingness of people wanting to help is highly appreciated, however it should be done with care to be sustainable, support actual needs and to avoid wastage and overcrowding shelters with unnecessary items. Donations should be made according to the lists of required items provided by organisations in charge of delivering food, water, clothing, and other articles required daily. Physical items involve huge amounts of staff or volunteer time to sort, clean, organise, store and distribute and in an emergency situation staff and volunteer time neds to be directed elsewhere.