Analytical report: Trafficing in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation in Ukraine

Global digitalization is an integral part of modern society, affecting all aspects of human life. Digital platforms, social media, online services and virtual communities create new opportunities for communication, selfexpression, professional development and economic growth. At the same time, technological progress, which is designed to promote well-being and improve the quality of life, paves the way for perpetrators to use innovative methods of committing crimes. This is of particular concern in the context of the ongoing war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which is leading to increased social, economic, and psychological stress, making people more vulnerable to traffi cking in persons and other types of criminal activity.

This study is intended to become a conceptual, methodological and practical foundation for all stakeholders – from state and local authorities, international organizations to the private sector, civil society and the media. It will help understand current trends in the use of cyberspace for trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation, in particular as a form of CRSV, identify gaps in the protection system, and develop strategic recommendations and innovative solutions to improve the security of online space.

Only a comprehensive assessment of the situation, with attention to the gender dimensions of traffi cking in persons in digital environment, taking into account the impact of the risks of traffi cking on women and girls in wartime, along with the application of international best practices, will create conditions for effective prevention, detection, prosecution and punishment of perpetrators, and most importantly, protect the rights and interests of survivors and vulnerable groups, especially women and girls, from the risks of traffi cking for sexual exploitation in times of military confl ict, challenges, and insecurity.

This report have been prepared by UN Women Ukraine and the civil society organization “La Strada-Ukraine” with the support of UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (https://www.stoprapenow.org/). 

UN Action supports implementation of the UN Interagency Project ‘Strengthening national and community-based CRSV prevention and response mechanisms in Ukraine through a survivor-centred multi-sectoral approach’ (UNited Action to Empower Survivors of CRSV). The project is implemented by UNFPA, UN Women, IOM, UNDP, WHO, and UNODC, in cooperation with the Government Commissioner for Gender Policy of Ukraine (benefi ciary of the international technical assistance) and the Offi ce of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine. 

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