UNICEF’s response to the crisis in Ukraine and increasing risks of human trafficking
An important part of the training of the representative of the participation of the criminal investigation and investigation officers within the Center for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (CCTIP). Specialists have learned new techniques for identifying traffickers, communicating with victims and protecting their rights. Ana Jizdan is a criminal investigation officer with almost nine years of experience in eradicating trafficking and abuse.
“Victims need help and empathy. We are used to acting strictly according to the law and the written rules, but the victims need assistance, enough time to understand that we are here to give them a helping hand “, says Ana. Furthermore, she notes that no cases of trafficking in Ukrainian refugees have been reported so far, but this means that she could be identified in the next period.
Other leading actors in the fight against trafficking, especially during the refugee crisis in Ukraine, are child protection specialists who operate the three “Blue Dot” first aid centers, set up by UNICEF Moldova and UNHCR. It should be noted that since the beginning of the war, more than 11,000 people, including about 5,000 children, have benefited from the “Blue Dot” centers.
“The specialists from the” Blue Dot “centers are among the first people who come into contact with the help of services offered to these centers is to identify possible traffic risks. Therefore, such training will not only strengthen knowledge, but also practical work skills, as well as communication with potential victims. Only in this way will we be able to become more efficient in detecting traffic cases “, Natalia Făureanu, coordinator of the” Blue Dot “center at the Otaci border crossing.