Ukrainian refugees at acute risk of exploitation by human traffickers

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) warns that of the over 1.5 million refugees that have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion, the vast majority are women and children at grave risk of violence, exploitation and abuse. The speed of displacement seen in this crisis is unprecedented. We have not seen displacement taking place at such a pace since the Rohingya crisis.

As the numbers of displaced people grow daily, the UN warns that up to 5 million people could flee the country - making this the biggest humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II. In crisis settings, women and girls face particular and disproportionate risks – including of violence, exploitation and abuse - during conflict and displacement. Women and girls fleeing Ukraine will be no different.

The IRC is calling for international donors and leaders to prioritize the support and protection services of women and girls. This means listening to Ukrainian women and girls themselves and including women’s rights organizations in all affected countries in coordinating and implementing the humanitarian response so that we ensure the particular needs of women and girls are taken into account from the very outset of this emergency. It is imperative that safe and regular pathways are opened for all those seeking safety, regardless of their race, nationality, gender and religion.  In Poland, where over 885,000 refugees have arrived since the 24th of February, the IRC is working with partners to scale up services for those that need it most and for the protection of women and children.

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