Workshop for CSOs and frontline responders on identifying and responding to technology-facilitated trafficking in Context of Ukraine

About
As part of the “Supporting the Human Dimension of Security in Ukraine in Times of Crises” project, ODIHR, in cooperation with OSR/CTHBOSR/CTHB
Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, is organizing a workshop entitled “Identifying and Responding to Technology-Facilitated Trafficking in Context of Ukraine”.

Background and Context
In recent years, trafficking in human beings (THB) is increasingly shaped by digital environments and emerging technologies, including generative AI. While technology offers important opportunities for prevention and victim protection, traffickers misuse online platforms and AI-enabled tools to recruit, deceive, groom and control victims, including through impersonation, synthetic content and automated communication. These practices expand traffickers’ reach, enable exploitation at scale and make harmful activity more difficult to detect, posing challenges for legal, operational and safeguarding responses.

Online recruitment through deception, AI-enabled impersonation, digital grooming and recruitment poses particular risks in the context of war in Ukraine, where displacement and socio-economic disruption have increased vulnerability to THBTHB
Trafficking in human beings. There are approximately 5.8 million Ukrainian refugees worldwide, with an estimated 3.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Ukraine (according to UNHCR data: predominantly women 62% and children 36%).  They rely on digital platforms to access employment, education, services and support, which creates additional exposure to the risk of technology-facilitated THB. Disrupted education, family separation, economic hardship and psychological stress further heighten vulnerability. 

CSOs play a critical frontline role. They are often the first point of contact for displaced persons and other at-risk groups, providing information, outreach, case identification, psychosocial support, legal assistance and other services. CSOs are also uniquely positioned to detect emerging patterns of online recruitment and exploitation, build digital literacy and resilience among affected communities and provide tailored services to victims and survivors. Often CSOs are part of National Referral Mechanisms (NRMs) for the identification and assistance of victims of trafficking and thus play a vital role in early identification and referral procedures.

Workshop Objectives
The workshop aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of how technology, including digital platforms and generative AI, is reshaping THB and creating new risks of deception and exploitation. It will build participant’s capacity to recognize technology-facilitated trafficking, address emerging challenges and identify and support victims in both digital and in-person contexts, including through partnership with the private sector. The workshop will also examine how these risks affect displaced populations, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine, where reliance on digital environments increases exposure to online exploitation.

Who is the training for?
CSOs, frontline responders and social service providers working with/on:
-    Refugees and IDPs from Ukraine 
-    Addressing THB 
-    Victims of THB

The training will be conducted in English without interpretation. ODIHR will cover the cost of the most economical transportation to Warsaw, and accommodation and meals during the workshop.

Participants should be available, in person, in Warsaw, for the full two-day workshop on 30-31 March from 09:00-17:00.

To apply, please complete the application form by 1 March COB. Successful applicants will receive confirmation of their participation by 5 March COB.

Contact
For further information, please contact Tereza Borodenchyk at Tereza.Borodenchyk@odihr.pl.

The workshop is organized in the framework of the “Supporting the Human Dimension of Security in Ukraine in Times of Crises” project, which aims to enhance the human dimension of security in response to the war in Ukraine ensuring respect for human rights and adherence to democratic principles in line with OSCE commitments and international standards.