In March 2025, KIND’s Child Protection Specialist for Europe, Eva Veldhuizen Ochodnicanova, joined the Office for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Poland to deliver a comprehensive training focusing on the identification and protection of victims of trafficking from Ukraine, with a special emphasis on children. The training, which was conducted with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) was a significant step in equipping professionals working with children from Ukraine with essential skills to identify, intervene, refer and protect children from risks of trafficking.
The war in Ukraine has led to unprecedented displacement, with millions of Ukrainians forced to flee their homes. Among these displaced populations, children continue to be particularly vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.
The training by KIND in Warsaw was a timely response to this crisis, aiming to equip frontline responders and child protection specialists with the necessary tools and knowledge to safeguard these at-risk children.
Identifying and Protecting Child Victims of Trafficking Through Practical Scenarios
The first day of the training kicked off with an introduction to ODIHR’s anti-trafficking work and an overview of the National Referral Mechanisms, a co-operative, national framework through which governments fulfil their obligations to protect and promote the human rights of victims of trafficking. The Mechanisms enable the co-ordination of their efforts in partnership with civil society organizations, the private sector, survivor leaders, and other actors working in the field. Participants engaged in sessions that delved into the identification and protection of child victims of trafficking. KIND led a session on the vulnerabilities of children to trafficking in the context of the war in Ukraine. There was a particular focus on trends and patterns that have been identified in frontline practice and research in trafficking in times of war and post-conflict settings, comparing this with what we’ve seen on the ground in Ukraine. The day concluded with group work, allowing participants to apply their learning in practical scenarios.
Trauma-Informed Approaches to Address the Impact of War on Children
On the second day, the spotlight was on the impact of fleeing war in Ukraine on children’s mental health, and how to adopt trauma-informed approaches in interactions with child victims of trafficking. Practical exercises, including role plays on interviewing techniques, provided participants with hands-on experience in handling sensitive situations like disclosures of abuse and exploitation.
Participants left with a deeper understanding of the complexities of human trafficking in warzones and practical strategies to protect vulnerable groups.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the need for such training remains critical. ODIHR and KIND’s event underscores the importance of continuous education and capacity-building for those on the front lines of this war.
By fostering a network of well-informed and equipped professionals, we can make strides in combating human trafficking and protecting the most vulnerable.
This training was also a call to action and a reminder of the ongoing challenges, and the collective effort required to address them. KIND and our partners will continue to support and empower those dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Learn more about “Suzir’ya,” KIND’s project to provide protection, support, and access to justice for children displaced from Ukraine in Europe.