Awareness Campaign Against Human Trafficking in Odesa

An awareness campaign was held in Odesa on the European Day Against Human Trafficking.

Every year on October 18, European countries observe this day, initiated by the European Commission in 2007 to highlight modern slavery and the protection of victims' rights.
With Ukraine facing a full-scale war for over three years, the issue of human trafficking has become particularly pressing due to numerous risks, such as increased internally displaced persons, unemployment, and forced displacement.
In anticipation of this day, the Department of Labor and Social Policy of the Odesa City Council organized an event to draw public attention to the issue of human trafficking under wartime conditions and to raise awareness about the risks of exploitation.
Participants included specialists from the Odesa City Council's Social Services Center, representatives from NGOs working in this field, members of the Southern Interregional Center for Free Legal Aid, and the National Police, alongside students from the Odesa State University of Internal Affairs and local citizens. During the event, informational leaflets and brochures were distributed, and consulting services were provided.
Everyone can contribute to the fight against human trafficking by being vigilant, not remaining indifferent, and sharing accurate information about this issue.

Note:
In Odesa, 17 people received victim status for human trafficking in 2025.
If you know of cases of human trafficking or any form of exploitation, or if you have been a victim of such a crime, please contact:

• 102 – police;
• 1547 – human trafficking hotline;
• 527 – National hotline for human trafficking and migrant counseling;
• 112 – emergency services in the EU.

Victims of human trafficking can seek assistance:

• to establish victim status at the Odesa Regional State Administration (Kanatna St. 83, tel. 048 753 11 94);
• to receive one-time financial aid: contact local social services;
• for social services (legal, psychological, temporary shelter, employment, etc.) at the Odesa City Council Social Services Center: Odesa, Itzhak Rabin St. 7, tel.: (048)784 92 17, (048)784 92 66, (048)784 92 67 or the Department of Labor and Social Policy (048) 705 12 63.