Since Russian troops invaded Ukraine, more than 4.5 million Ukrainians have escaped the violence within their country’s borders. Most of these refugees are women and children, but the journey to reach their destinations is risky, according to international officials who have issued warnings regarding human trafficking.
“For predators and human traffickers, the war in Ukraine is not a tragedy,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres tweeted. “It’s an opportunity.”
The largest portion of refugees is heading to Poland. According to the European Commission, “Poland is a source, transit, and destination country” for those subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking.
