IOM and three leading mobile phone operators in Ukraine will sign
an agreement tomorrow which paves the way for a partnership in
efforts to counter human trafficking.

As a first step, the three companies, Astelit, KyivStar GSM and
UMC, have initiated a toll-free counter-trafficking short number
– 527 – which will route all calls to a free IOM
service providing information on the current realities and dangers
facing migrants abroad including human trafficking and the
consequences of irregular entry and stay in foreign countries.
Migrants will also get information on legal methods of
migration.

An estimated 2 to 7 million Ukrainians are currently living and
presumably working abroad out of a population of more than 47
million with trafficking in human beings in Ukraine reaching
alarming proportions in recent years. IOM now estimates that
100,000 Ukrainians have fallen victim to the crime since 1991,
representing a major migration and human rights
challenge. 

"The scale of the crime necessitates a strong, comprehensive and
coherent response from governments, private sector, civil society
and the international community at large. This agreement with
well-known and respected mobile phone companies demonstrating
significant social awareness and responsibility sets a fantastic
example for the business community everywhere," says Jeffrey
Labovitz, chief of mission for Ukraine. "We hope many more
Ukrainian and foreign businesses will join the national
counter-trafficking response as it would mean that we could achieve
so much more."

All three mobile phone companies, which are already engaged in
socially responsible activities, cited the importance of informing
people about and protecting them from a crime that is of major
national and international concern as a reason to partner on such
an initiative.

The toll-free short number complements other IOM ongoing
activities aimed at countering human trafficking in Ukraine and
helping people to avoid irregular means of migrating. These include
EU-funded centres for migrant advice (CMAs) established in
partnership with non-governmental organizations where people can go
to and seek free advice from a consultant.

As well as carrying out counter-trafficking information
campaigns and building the capacity of Ukrainian authorities to
combat the crime, IOM has also provided direct assistance to more
than 3,500 victims of trafficking over the past five years. This
includes medical care, psychological counselling, reintegration
grants, vocational training, legal assistance over civil issues as
well as legal consultation and representation for victims who
decide to be act as witnesses in criminal cases.

To receive more detailed information about the initiative please
contact:

IOM Kyiv Public Information Office

Tel.: 380 44-568 50 15

E-mail: "mailto:pr@iom.kiev.ua">pr@iom.kiev.ua