Building Capacity Against Exploitation

Our work in Ukraine began in April 2022, when the conflict made direct access impossible. From neighbouring Moldova, we trained 367 frontline staff and volunteers from 60 organisations in how to identify and support victims of human trafficking.

Since then, we have worked with both Ukrainian civil society and police, including directly supporting Caritas Ukraine‘s seven dedicated anti-trafficking teams, located across Ukraine. Using skills in victim identification, screening interviews, and trauma-informed cognitive interviewing, they have already identified and supported more than 200 victims of human trafficking, who they continue to support.

Last week marked the next step. With support from CAFOD, we spent five days in Ukraine delivering a Training of Trainers programme for 14 Caritas Ukraine specialists. Over the coming year, these trainers will equip more than 800 colleagues across every region of free Ukraine – building the capacity to identify and support potentially thousands more at-risk individuals.

The Caritas teams work daily with those living through the harshest realities of the war: the displaced, the injured, the bereaved, the elderly, veterans, women and children. All are at heightened risk of exploitation.

We really are proud that this training is delivered in-country, alongside local teams, despite the risks.

The courage and dedication we’ve witnessed in Ukraine is humbling. It’s a privilege to play even a small role in strengthening the frontline against human trafficking.

Slava Ukraini!