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.
Victim of Trafficking Helped Through “527” Hotline
On photo: Maryna Pasichnyk, Coordinator of the Hotline of the Ternopil Center for Migrant Advice
Ukraine. After more than six months of exploitation in Europe, a woman received assistance after placing a call to “527”—the first and only toll-free national hotline specializing in helping victims of human trafficking. In April 2007, the three largest cell phone service providers in Ukraine, LLC Astelit (life:), Kyiv³tar and MTS (UMC), came together to establish a toll-free number “527.” When dialed, the number routes calls to a hotline which is staffed by professional operators who offer advice and warnings regarding finding work abroad, and who are also trained to identify and assist people who were exploited while abroad. Since the launch of the number, IOM’s national toll-free counter-trafficking hotline has received more than 1,700 calls via “527”.
The story that the abovementioned woman shared with hotline operators regarding her six months in Europe is not unique. She was desperate for work when a friend proposed she work abroad as a shop assistant. A recruiter paid her visa fees and plane tickets as an advance on future earnings, but when she arrived in her destination country, her passport was taken away and she was sold into sexual slavery. After more than six months of captivity and forced prostitution, she found a way to escape and returned to Ukraine. What is unique about this story is that once she returned home she called “527” and asked for help. The operators identified her as a victim of human trafficking and immediately referred her to a local NGO in her area who in turn referred her to IOM.
For the last six years, IOM Ukraine has provided assistance, including medical care, psychological counselling, reintegration grants, vocational training, and legal assistance to more than 4000 victims of trafficking. “Thanks to the 527 number, we were able to help this woman receive the medical care and psychological counseling she needs to begin life anew in Ukraine,” states Maryna Pasichnyk, Coordinator of the national hotline which receives 527 calls. “We hope that as awareness of this hotline grows, the number of victims of trafficking coming forward to receive assistance will also grow.”
To receive more detailed information about the initiative please contact IOM Kyiv Public Information Office at 380 44-568 50 15 or pr@iom.kiev.ua