On Monday, May 13, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (hereinafter referred to as the OCMA) is launching an information campaign "Spot the Threat of Trafficking in Human Beings!" to raise awareness among Ukrainian civilians about the potential risks of trafficking in human beings and preventive measures.
Following the Russian-led war in Ukraine, more than 50,000 Ukrainian civilians have sought refuge in Latvia. At the beginning of 2023, the Central Statistical Bureau estimated that 60% of Ukrainian nationals with temporary protection status who had registered their residence in Latvia were permanently residing here.
Most of them continue living and working in Latvia, but a loss of vigilance could increase the risk of trafficking in human beings among Ukrainian civilians. As a result, people may accept dubious job offers, women may be lured into sexual exploitation, and the overall risk of trafficking increases.
"By means of various activities, the campaign will raise general awareness about the risks of trafficking in human beings among Ukrainian civilians in Latvia. It will emphasise individual responsibility by providing practical advice and support resources to help people protect themselves, as well as information on where to turn for help. The campaign is aimed at protecting and fighting trafficking in human beings together, creating trust and solidarity," says Maira Roze, Head of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
Last year, an estimated total of around 4 million Ukrainian civilians were granted temporary protection in EU Member States. According to the State Revenue Service, 8.7 thousand Ukrainian nationals were registered as workers in Latvia at the beginning of 2024. Of these, 38.7% are employed in elementary occupations, such as office, hotel and other cleaners, kitchen workers, shop assistants and others. 16.1% are skilled workers and craftsmen, 14.8% are service and sales workers, 12.7% are senior professionals and professionals and 0.9% are managers.
"If Ukrainian civilians are not familiar with local legislation or lack support from the local community, they are at increased risk of being trafficked. Ukrainian nationals are exposed to various forms of trafficking in human beings, so it is important to remain vigilant in various sectors and ensure timely exchange of information to mitigate risks," said Minister of the Interior Rihards Kozlovskis.
In Latvia, 26 victims of trafficking in human beings were identified in 2022, half the number of victims identified in 2021, when 61 people were victims. Of the 26 identified victims, 25 were adults and one was a minor. Most of the victims were Latvian nationals – 22 out of 26 identified victims. The other two identified victims are Belarusian nationals and two Moldovan nationals. All the identified third-country nationals were subject to labour exploitation.
More information on the risks of trafficking in human beings is available on the websites of the OCMA and the Ministry of the Interior:
https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/how-protect-yourself-human-trafficking ; https://www.iem.gov.lv/en/how-protect-yourself-trafficking-human-beings.
Communication campaign "Spot the Threat of Trafficking in Human Beings!" is created and funded within the framework of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021 – 2027 Programme Project No PMLP/PMIF/2023/2 "Support measures for reception and accommodation of persons in need of international protection in Latvia (1st phase)".
The project aims to raise awareness among Ukrainian civilians about the potential risks of trafficking in human beings, as well as to provide information on how to protect themselves and where to turn for help.
