25.04.2007

Kyiv

Mobile Operators and IOM Launch Counter Trafficking Toll-Free Hotline in Ukraine

Kyiv, April 25, 2007 The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Ukraine, a UN country team agency, and “Astelit” ( life:) trademark ), KyivStar GSM, and UMC, the three leading mobile operators in Ukraine has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish cooperation on preventing trafficking in human beings.

For the first time in Ukraine, the mobile operators are joining forces with IOM to counter trafficking in human beings and raise awareness on protecting Ukrainians’ rights when working abroad. As a first step, the parties have initiated a toll-free counter-trafficking 527 short number, which is functioning with a non-commercial aim where all callers receive accurate information about the current realities and possible dangers that migrants could face outside of Ukraine.

” Well-known and respected mobile phone companies are now coming together, demonstrating social responsibility and partnership, thus setting an example for the business community at large. Foreign and Ukrainian business companies could help stop trafficking in human beings by raising awareness, public outreach and national ownership and support of the Ukrainian counter-trafficking response. We applaud these efforts” stated Mr. Jeffrey Labovitz, Coordinator for Ukraine Moldova and Belarus, an IOM Chief of Mission in Ukraine.

"This is a very important initiative for Ukraine. By signing this agreement today, the corporate social responsibility is not anymore a nice term referred by companies but it is taking real actions", stated Ms. Ruken Tekes-Calikusu, UN Coordination Specialist. "Also as a unique cooperation between three GSM operator competitors to overcome an important social and developmental challenge, this initiative deserves international recognition", she added.