Odesa commemorated the European Day Against Human Trafficking, celebrated annually on October 18. This initiative was launched by the European Commission in 2007 to raise public awareness of modern forms of slavery and the protection of victims' rights.
In the context of an ongoing war in Ukraine, the issue of combating human trafficking has gained particular urgency. The conflict has led to a multitude of risks, including an increase in the number of internally displaced persons, unemployment, loss of documents, and forced displacement.
On the eve of the European Day Against Human Trafficking, the Odesa City Council organized an information campaign aimed at drawing attention to the issue of human trafficking in wartime and raising public awareness of exploitation risks.
The event was attended by specialists from social service centers, representatives of NGOs, legal aid providers, law enforcement, as well as students from the Odesa State University of Internal Affairs and concerned citizens. During the campaign, informational materials were distributed, and consultation services were provided.
Everyone can contribute to the fight against human trafficking by staying vigilant and sharing accurate information about this issue.

Additional information:
In Odesa, 17 individuals received victim status in 2025.
If you are aware of any instances of human trafficking or have been a victim of this crime, please contact:

• 102 - police;
• 1547 - human trafficking hotline;
• 527 - national hotline for human trafficking and migrant counseling;
• 112 - EU emergency services.

Victims of human trafficking have the right to seek assistance:

• to establish their victim status at the Odesa State Administration (Kanatna St. 83, Tel. 048 753 11 94);
• to receive one-time financial assistance at local social protection offices;
• to access social services (legal, psychological, temporary shelter, employment, etc.) at the Odesa City Social Services Center: Odesa, Itzhak Rabin St. 7, Tel: (048)784 92 17, (048)784 92 66, (048)784 92 67.