Global Solutions Needed to Address Human Trafficking Amid Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion — Denys Uliutin

Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin spoke at a high-level plenary session of the United Nations General Assembly dedicated to assessing the implementation of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings.

During the address, the Minister focused on the impact of Russian military aggression on current trends in human trafficking, the emergence of new forms of exploitation in wartime. He also highlighted the growing risks associated with the misuse of digital platforms and artificial intelligence by criminals. Denys Uliutin noted the need for updating international protection mechanisms for victims and strengthening the accountability of technology companies.

“Russia’s full-scale aggression has created conditions in which human trafficking is not only expanding but also evolving. Children, women, and men alike face heightened risks amid forced displacement, loss of livelihoods, and ongoing insecurity. We observe the emergence of new, even more brutal forms of exploitation — from the forced displacement of civilians, including children, to the exploitation of civilians from occupied territories for military purposes. This is why we need global solutions: from stronger cross-border cooperation to holding tech companies genuinely accountable for the misuse of digital platforms to the exploitation of civilians from occupied territories for military purposes,” Denys Uliutin said.

The Minister emphasized that Ukraine is focused not only on responding to human trafficking but also on building more resilient and effective systems to combat it. He outlined key steps already being implemented in this regard. These include the development of a new State Anti-Trafficking Program until 2030 aligned with EU legislation, the introduction of corporate liability, the establishment of an independent National Rapporteur, and the integration of anti-trafficking measures into the social services system — particularly in support of internally displaced persons, veterans, survivors of captivity, and victims of violence.

He drew particular attention to the urgent need for a global approach to combating human trafficking in the context of war — one that prioritizes protection, accountability, and the prevention of the misuse of digital platforms.

Denys Uliutin reaffirmed Ukraine’s full commitment to the UN Global Plan of Action and expressed readiness to work with international partners to strengthen institutions, protection systems, and the reintegration of victims.

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