Press release: Ukrainians face trafficking threat one year after war broke out

Campaigners have issued a fresh warning about trafficking and urged action by UK authorities one year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

CARE raised concerns about a heightened trafficking threat when Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. Ukrainians face being trafficked to the UK by criminals or falling into exploitation after reaching our shores.

Several concerning loopholes were identified in the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. Commenting on the UN report Rebecca Stevenson, a trafficking policy expert at CARE, said:

“A year has now elapsed since Russia invaded Ukraine but the threat to Ukrainians remains high. Traffickers are operating on the borders of the country to intercept and exploit vulnerable women and children.

“It is crucial that UK Ministers continue to raise the alarm about this issue, and work with European agencies to confront it. Ministers must also demonstrate that they are providing ongoing care for Ukrainians who have entered the UK.

“Thousands of Ukrainian nationals came here under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and were placed in various contexts. What checks are local governments and agencies carrying out to ensure these people aren’t falling off the radar and into modern slavery?

“CARE constantly emphasised the need for ongoing welfare checks, but it is difficult to get a sense of what’s happening on the ground. We have seen research suggesting refugees are struggling to find their own housing and work. Traffickers will prey on these individuals.

“We call on the UK Government, local authorities, and other relevant agencies to provide reassurance about refugee welfare. It would be an awful failing if any person who has come to our shores for sanctuary should be let down.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

CARE provides analysis of social policy from a Christian perspective. For more information or to request an interview, contact: press@care.org.uk