What is human trafficking and what signs should we look out for?

Georgia Allen highlights the link between the on-going war in Ukraine and the rising risk of human trafficking

The devastating conflict in Ukraine has left millions of vulnerable people, mostly women and children, displaced internally or forced to flee to neighbouring countries. Unfortunately, it is in the direst of circumstances that some criminals will prey on those desperate to find safety, with many major charities and organisations expressing their concern that the crisis in Ukraine is leading to greater risks of human trafficking.

Photo by Tim Tebow Foundation on Unsplash

In March, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres tweeted: “For predators and human traffickers, the war in Ukraine is not a tragedy. It’s an opportunity — and women & children are the targets. They urgently need safety and support every step of the way.” Furthermore, in April, the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency), Gillian Triggs, said: “We are on high alert and warning refugees on the risks of predators and criminal networks who may attempt to exploit their vulnerability or lure them with promises of free transport, accommodation, employment or other forms of assistance.”

Human trafficking is the trade of people for exploitation and commercial gain and is a form of modern slavery. Whilst many may not associate it with the UK or think it is something we need to be concerned about, it is a real issue, and we cannot be complacent. UnseenUK states that the UK Government estimates around 10,000 people in the UK are in modern slavery, however experts believe this number is likely to be up to 136,000 people. Citizens Advice has seen a 40% increase in visitors to their webpage about reporting human trafficking, and the British Red Cross are asking volunteers at welcome centres to complete training on human trafficking as they too are concerned about the risks.

With the voluntary and community sector offering support to refugees at welcome centres and in their communities, we feel it would be useful for partners to know the signs to look out for in case they encounter someone they believe is, or could be, in danger.

antislavery.org say that warning signs include:

• Someone who appears to be under the control of someone else and reluctant to interact with others
• They do not have personal identification on them
• They have few personal belongings, wear the same clothes every day or wear unsuitable clothes for work
• They may not be able to move around freely
• They are reluctant to talk to strangers or the authorities
• The person appears frightened, withdrawn, or show signs of physical or psychological abuse
• They may be dropped off and collected for work always in the same way, especially at unusual times such as very early or late at night.

Refugees coming from Ukraine may, understandably, meet some of these points, for example, having few personal belongings, appearing frightened and being reluctant to talk to people, especially after the trauma they will likely have endured. However, we must be vigilant as human trafficking and modern slavery does happen in ‘normal’ communities. The willingness and generosity of the British public to host Ukrainian refugees has been incredible, though we must ensure that safeguarding is in place, especially if informal matching, such as on social media, is involved. Most people want to welcome refugees into their homes, to a place of safety, but there may also be those with ill-intentions who see it as an opportunity, so it is important we are aware of the signs.

If you believe that someone may be being trafficked but want confidential advice before talking to the police, you can contact:

• Salvation Army’s 24-hour confidential helpline for reporting modern slavery on 0800 818 3733
• Modern Day Slavery Foundation’s helpline on 0800 0121 700
• NSPCC’s helpline on 0808 800 5000 (If you believe a child is in danger)

If you want to contact the police, you can call:

• 999 if you believe it is an emergency (or 101 if it is not urgent)
• 0800 555 111 if you want to speak anonymously to Crimestoppers.

You can read more from Citizens Advice on reporting human trafficking here.

You can also read more from the United Nations on the dangers of human trafficking on the Ukrainian border here.