An awareness campaign was held in Odesa on the European Day Against Human Trafficking.
Every year on October 18, the European Day Against Human Trafficking is observed, initiated by the European Commission in 2007 to raise public awareness about modern slavery and the protection of victims' rights.
Given that Ukraine has been in a state of full-scale war for over three years, the issue of combating human trafficking has become particularly pressing. The war has created numerous risks - an increase in the number of internally displaced persons, rising unemployment, loss of documents, and forced displacement.
In anticipation of the European Day Against Human Trafficking, the Department of Labor and Social Policy of the Odesa City Council organized an awareness campaign to draw public attention to the issue of human trafficking under wartime conditions and to raise awareness about the risks of exploitation and protection methods.
Participants in the campaign included specialists from the Odesa City Social Services Center, representatives of NGOs working in this field, the Southern Interregional Center for Free Legal Aid, the National Police, cadets from the Odesa State University of Internal Affairs, and community members. Informational leaflets and brochures were distributed during the event, and counseling services were provided.
Everyone can join the fight against human trafficking - be vigilant, not indifferent, and spread accurate information about this issue.
For reference:
In Odesa, 17 individuals received victim status from human trafficking in 2025.
If you are aware of cases of human trafficking or any form of exploitation, or if you have been a victim of this crime, please contact:
- 102 – police;
- 1547 – hotline for combating human trafficking;
- 527 – National hotline for combating human trafficking and migrant counseling;
- 112 – emergency services in the EU.
A person who believes they are a victim of human trafficking has the right to seek assistance:
- to establish the status of a victim of human trafficking, contact the Odesa Regional State Administration (Kanatna St. 83, tel. 048 753 11 94);
- for one-time financial assistance for those who have been granted victim status: contact the district social protection offices at the place of residence;
- for social services (legal, psychological, temporary shelter, employment, etc.) to the Odesa City Social Services Center: Odesa, Yitzhak Rabin St. 7, tel.: (048)784 92 17, (048)784 92 66, (048)784 92 67 or to the Department of Labor and Social Policy of the Odesa City Council (048) 705 12 63.
