A Training for Prevention of Trafficking in Human Beings in the Context of the Ukrainian Refugee Situation Was Held in Plovdiv

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On June 21, 2022, the Local Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in Plovdiv, in partnership with the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, held a training on prevention of trafficking in human beings in the context of the refugee situation from Ukraine.

The event was attended by officials from municipal and regional administration; representatives of social services from the city of Plovdiv - KSU "Kn. Maria Luisa", KSU "Olga Skobeleva", "Mother and Baby" Unit at KSUDS, Community Center for Children and Families; Directorate "Regional Employment Service", Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Plovdiv; Criminal Police Department of the Regional Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Plovdiv. The Criminal Investigation Department, Plovdiv; The Bulgarian Red Cross, Plovdiv; State Fund "Plovdiv 112"; Association "Caritas Sofia" and "For Our Children" Foundation.

The aim of the training is to provide the participants with up-to-date information on refugees in the country and the region, as well as indicators that can be used to identify potential victims of human trafficking. The reason for this is that a large number of Ukrainian citizens are women and children who are particularly vulnerable to being caught up in such a situation. The need for protection and crime prevention among this at-risk group is therefore of utmost importance.

The National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and the Local Commission in Plovdiv warn of the possibility of Ukrainian refugees being involved in trafficking schemes for labour and sexual exploitation, forced begging and other criminal activities.