As a part of Life Preserver Project’s ongoing mission of education, and providing relief funds to organizations that prevent human trafficking, sex trafficking and forced labor, it is important that we highlight the growing global refugee crisis. Refugees and migrants are often targeted by bad actors, and face a litany of factors that increase the risks of coercion and exploitation. The conflict in Ukraine has again forced the international community to reckon with how quickly civil conflict, and other external factors such as climate change, can impact millions of people in the blink of an eye. In addition to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, it should be noted  ~14 other regions are grappling with ongoing long term refugee emergencies. (UNHCR – Emergencies)

UNHCR – Ukraine crisis creates new trafficking risks (April 12, 2022)

Key Takeaways:

• Early in the crisis the agency also launched an awareness-raising campaign, distributing printed materials to refugees on both sides of the border, with information on how they can protect themselves and report incidents of sexual misconduct or criminal activity. 
• Cash and a large influx of volunteers on the boarder has been invaluable to the refugees. The volunteers are acting as eyes and ears to help identify and prevent potential trafficking.

IOM (International Organization for Migration) has seen an increase in calls to the hotline since February: averaging 60% more compared to the same period last year. More information can be found at the following: Russian Invasion in Ukraine Leads to Increased Risks of Human Trafficking – IOM | United Nations in Ukraine

The National Ukrainian Hotline can be found at: 527.Hotline.

In addition the IOM-supported National Migrant Advice and Counter-Trafficking Hotline can be reached in Ukraine at 527 (free from mobile phones) or at 0 800 505 501 (free from landline phones) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those staying abroad can reach hotline consultants at 527.hotline@gmail.com

Most Recent Ukraine Situation Report: iom-regional-ukraine-response-external-sitrep-14042022-final.pdf

How Can You Make a Difference?

In conjunction with Life Preservers Project, Relativity has agreed to match every dollar we raise up to $1 million through April 29th, 2022. We welcome you to join us in providing support and assistance for the people of Ukraine in need.

“Relativity is partnering with Razom, Direct Relief, and Polish Humanitarian Action via CAF America to receive match donations. These organizations have special projects in place to support humanitarian relief efforts for impacted Ukrainian refugees, such as providing food, clothing, and medical supplies. Each organization has been thoroughly vetted to ensure donations are appropriately and efficiently distributed.”