Vulnerability and Resilience to Exploitation and Trafficking Among People Fleeing Ukraine In Berlin, Bern and Warsaw

By Julia Litzkow 

This study examines factors of resilience and vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking of people who fled Ukraine to Berlin, Bern and Warsaw after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Conducted in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) it is based on desk research, quantitative data from 1,602 surveys collected with displaced Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians in 2023 and qualitative data from 57 key informant interviews (KII) conducted between 2023 and 2024. It also includes 8 illustrative case studies. In the research conducted across three cities, instances of potential forced labour and labour trafficking were reported at relatively low levels by survey respondents.1 Specifically, 6% of respondents (104/1,602) noted experiencing some form of workplace abuse, while 2% of respondents (35 out of 1,602) either experienced or observed others who fled Ukraine facing workplace conditions that could suggest potential trafficking for forced labour. The majority of these accounts were based on observations rather than personal experience. Common issues reported included unpaid or underpaid wages, misleading information about the nature of the job, excessively long working hours, unsafe working environments, and deception about their employer’s identity. While key informants corroborated the low occurrence of potential forced labour and trafficking, they also emphasized widespread violations of labour laws. A smaller proportion of survey respondents (2.5%) reported witnessing or learning about displaced Ukrainians engaged in prostitution or sex work. Of these, seven individuals believed the prostitution was forced, reflecting a 0.4% prevalence of forced prostitution, potentially signalling trafficking for sexual exploitation. None of the 1,602 respondents indicated experiencing sexual exploitation in prostitution themselves. The relatively low incidence of potential forced labour, labour trafficking and sexual exploitation reported by survey respondents and key informants among people who fled the war in Ukraine may be attributed to the visa-free travel, temporary protection status, and robust anti-trafficking measures implemented in destination countries. However, it may also be due to cases that have yet to be identified. It is important to recognize that despite the presence of temporary protection, visa-free travel and the anti-trafficking response implemented, there are specific situations where personal, situational, and contextual factors intersect to create potential increased risk of exploitation and trafficking for individuals fleeing Ukraine. The following is a summary of key findings on factors of resilience and vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking in the cities examined under this study, which aim to contribute to a better understanding of the experiences of people who fled the war in Ukraine and offer insights for designing interventions by United Nations (UN) organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and national authorities. Factors of vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking • Financial pressure: Economic hardships and the need to support oneself and family members can increase the urgency for people displaced from Ukraine to find work quickly and can lead them to accept precarious working conditions. When asked whether their financial situation meets their household needs, 44% of respondents in Berlin, 44% of respondents in Bern and 43% of respondents in Warsaw said they were only partially covered. • Limited access to decent work: Barriers like language skills, non-recognition of qualifications, and financial hardships can push refugees into low-skilled, often exploitative jobs. Lack of skills in the local language was mentioned as the top barrier to accessing a decent job, cited by 86% of respondents in Berlin, 80% of respondents in Bern and 67% of respondents in Warsaw. • Difficulties accessing information about the law and their rights: Lack of knowledge about local labour laws and rights, exacerbated by lack of knowledge of the local language can increase vulnerability and make it difficult for people who fled the war in Ukraine to protect themselves from exploitative situations. • Insecure housing: Dependence on employer-provided accommodation, dependence on and limited monitoring of private accommodation providers and in collective centres can increase exploitation risks. • Challenges accessing temporary protection status: Bureaucratic hurdles and legal status challenges particularly affect non-Ukrainian Third Country Nationals (TCNs) and Ukrainian citizens of Roma ethnicity, making them potentially more vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking in informal work arrangements. • Decreasing solidarity: Growing negative perceptions of Ukrainians within host communities can lead to increased risks of exploitation as refugees feel less supported and more isolated. Factors of resilience to exploitation and trafficking • Visa-free travel and temporary protection status2: Rapid access to legal status, combined with access to social security, significantly protects against exploitation and trafficking. The EU’s visa-free travel approach for Ukrainian citizens and temporary protection status enable refugees to travel legally and rapidly access work and social benefits, reducing their dependence on potentially exploitative coping mechanisms. • Social support networks: Social networks within the Ukrainian community can serve as a crucial factor of resilience. These networks provide familiarity and support, helping refugees navigate employment and housing options. • Political will and solidarity: Initial strong political commitment and societal support for Ukrainian refugees enhanced their resilience. Quick legislative and administrative responses and comprehensive support systems have positively impacted the integration and protection of refugees who fled the war in Ukraine. However, political will and the level of support can vary based on the perceived nationality or ethnicity of people who fled the war in Ukraine. • Anti-trafficking responses: Large-scale anti-trafficking measures, particularly efforts to raise awareness, were adopted by national and local authorities, as well as civil society organizations, likely building resilience against exploitation. 

Geneva: Mixed Migration Centre,  2024. 46p.