IJM-trained partners intervened at critical moments to protect Larysa from trafficking - IJM Hong Kong
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IJM-trained partners intervened at critical moments to protect Larysa from trafficking

Donate today to help protect more children and women like Larysa* from trafficking and exploitation.

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Since the start of the conflict, IJM and partners have been working at the Ukraine-Romania border providing vital support and protection to refugees. We are seeing first-hand the importance of raising awareness, offering protection solutions about the risk of trafficking and keeping in touch with refugees like Larysa* throughout their journeys.

While trying to escape the conflict in Ukraine, Larysa* met an Italian man online who promised to help her and take her to Italy to start a new life there. This man’s real intentions soon became clear when he stole 700 euros (HK$6,000) from Larysa and left her at the Romanian border.

Thankfully, she was picked up and cared for by a local shelter, trained and supported by IJM, who helped her to arrange a safe and direct transport to Germany – her chosen destination. The shelter also organised for her to be met on arrival in Nuremburg by a trusted partner organisation, staying in touch with her as she made her trip.

However, on the way to Nuremburg, Larysa was contacted by another man whom she had met online while in Romania.

He persistently messaged her, convincing her with the promise of a job – a method often used by traffickers – to get on a bus to Berlin instead. Fortunately, the shelter team remained in close contact with Larysa and became aware of this unexpected change of plan and the man’s suspicious behaviour. They advised Larysa to get off the bus, arranging for her to be met by a trusted person and helping her to get on a train to Nuremburg, where a partner NGO picked her up. Now, Larysa is safe and staff have since continued to work with her to help her understand the risk of trafficking.

Protect Children and Women like Larysa* from Trafficking at the Ukraine Border and Beyond

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“This is an example of why it’s so important to stay in touch with people as they journey to places of safety. It is important to understand how vulnerable people arriving from Ukraine are due to the trauma, disorientating loss of family and language barriers.”

– IJM social worker working at the Ukraine-Romania border

In addition to the ongoing responses at the Ukraine-Romania border, IJM is working with shelters to prevent trafficking at the Romania-Moldova border too and in larger urban areas like Bucharest. Through trusted partners in Ukraine, we are distributing information on how to stay safe when crossing the border, including contact numbers for authorities with Ukrainian speakers and emergency services. Having these important information before leaving Ukraine helps prevent potential exploitation – people have more time to digest the information, ensure they have contact details and know the procedures before they cross the border.

IJM is also in the process of establishing an anti-trafficking department within a partner organisation with significant experience in provision, shelter and accommodation for refugees in multiple sites across Romania. These partnerships will focus on preventing trafficking and providing long-term aftercare support to survivors.

We have already hired Ukrainian and Russian speaking protection officers to work with partner NGOs across the country. They will also work with authorities to help address potential trafficking cases. Effective partnerships between NGOs and governments to provide protection is vital during the crisis and in longer term.

On behalf of refugees like Larysa, thank you to every donor whose generosity has allowed IJM and partners to show up at critical moments to keep them safe. Would you join us as a Freedom Partner to protect more people from trafficking in Eastern Europe and around the world?

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Images used are not representative of Larysa. *Pseudonyms used.