On 30 July, the world marks Anti-Trafficking Day, established by the UN General Assembly. This day is intended to draw attention to one of the most serious crimes against human dignity, which can affect people regardless of age, gender, education or social status.
The Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine reports that since the beginning of 2025, 112 citizens have been granted the status of victims of human trafficking in Ukraine. Most of them suffered from mixed forms of exploitation, 13 were victims of labour exploitation, and another 4 were victims of sexual exploitation.
Read also: Russia’s kidnapping of generations destroys Ukraine’s future
80 people applied for financial assistance, for which the state allocated 699,000 hryvnias. Among the recipients were 20 women, 57 men and three girls.
Often, these cases involve people being held in forced conditions, deprivation of freedom of movement, violence, employment fraud, exploitation, coercion into begging or criminal activity. Common signs include confiscation of documents, non-payment of wages, psychological pressure, threats or the use of physical force.
Ukrainians are reminded that in threatening situations, they should seek help. The government hotline 15-47 is available for questions regarding human trafficking, domestic violence, and gender-based violence.
Help is also available at the following numbers:
- 0 800 500 202 or 102 — National Police of Ukraine
- 0 800 213 103 — free legal aid system
- 527 — countering exploitation
- 0 800 500 335 or 116 123 — hotline for reporting violence and discrimination
- 0 800 500 225 or 116 111 — national children’s hotline
Read also: 59% of Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands have jobs
