(MENAFN- UkrinForm) According to an Ukrinform correspondent in New York, the minister made this statement on Monday, November 24, while speaking at the High-Level Plenary of the Global Assembly on the appraisal of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

“Displacement, insecurity, and loss of livelihoods increase vulnerability, while digital platforms and AI extend traffickers' reach far beyond borders,” Uliutin noted.

According to him, Ukraine's experience shows how human trafficking evolves in conflict conditions and that the protection system must adapt“just as quickly to stop it.”

The minister stressed that children remain among the most vulnerable groups, especially those who have lost their parents or been separated from them. Women and children who sought refuge abroad face a high risk of sexual and labor exploitation, while men are increasingly becoming targets of forced labor.

He also drew attention to“new and more brutal forms of exploitation,” such as the forced transfer of civilians, including children, to Russia, the use of men from occupied territories in the Russian war effort, and mixed forms of exploitation combining sexual and labor abuse.

According to the minister, Ukraine is preparing a new State Program on Combating Trafficking in Persons until 2030, aligned with EU legislation, which will include measures to combat trafficking, the establishment of an independent national rapporteur, and support for internally displaced persons, survivors of violence, veterans, and people released from captivity.

“The scale and speed of trafficking today require global solutions,” the minister emphasized, outlining key priorities for countering the phenomenon. These include deeper and more predictable cross-border cooperation; accountability for technology companies for the misuse of social media and AI, as well as mandatory cooperation with law enforcement; preventing exploitation as a crucial element of Ukraine's recovery; and stable, long-term funding for the protection system.

“Every delay means freedom lost for another child, another woman, another man,” he stressed.

Read also: Ministry of Social Policy explains what Ukrainian refugees should do after temporary protection expires

He underscored that human trafficking in conflict settings must be addressed through a dedicated global framework that unites protection, accountability, and safeguards against technological misuse.

As reported by Ukrinform, Ukraine, with the participation of international partners, is preparing a new State Program on Combating Trafficking in Persons until 2030.

Photo: video screenshot

MENAFN25112025000193011044ID1110392574