Empowering Ukrainian refugees and enhancing institutional response
JRS Romania, in partnership with International Justice Mission (IJM) Romania and with funding from the ARISE Foundation under One Proposal project, is implementing the SafeUKR – Enhancing Ukrainian Community Resilience through Knowledge and Capacity Building against Human Trafficking in Romania project. Running from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, this initiative aims to protect Ukrainian refugees and reinforce national anti-trafficking efforts, particularly in underserved communities near Romania’s borders.
The ongoing displacement of refugees, coupled with vulnerabilities linked to economic instability and limited legal protections, significantly increases the risk of exploitation and human trafficking. SafeUKR seeks to address these challenges by providing critical training, awareness programs, and institutional capacity-building activities to ensure a coordinated, effective response.
Protecting refugees through knowledge and awareness
A key component of SafeUKR is equipping Ukrainian refugees with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves from human trafficking risks. So far, 133 Ukrainian refugees across five Romanian cities have participated in specialized training sessions conducted in their native language by IJM protection officers.
The training covers essential topics, including:
- Understanding human trafficking: Identifying different forms of exploitation, deceptive recruitment tactics, and coercion methods.
- Staying informed and vigilant: Recognizing red flags, verifying job offers, and understanding Romanian laws and rights.
- Accessing protection and support services: Awareness of available hotlines, legal aid, and local organizations providing assistance.
By raising awareness and strengthening self-protection mechanisms, these sessions empower refugees to safeguard themselves and their families, reducing vulnerability to exploitation.
Enhancing institutional capacity to combat trafficking
Beyond refugee protection, SafeUKR also strengthens the capacity of public institutions, particularly Romanian Border Police units, to effectively identify and respond to trafficking cases.
To date, 109 Romanian Border Police officers from nine territorial units along Romania’s borders with Serbia, Hungary, Ukraine, and Moldova have undergone specialized training. The sessions focus on:
- Recognizing and addressing different forms of human trafficking.
- Applying victim-centered profiling techniques to detect at-risk individuals.
- Understanding the National Mechanism of Identification and Referral, ensuring that trafficking survivors receive proper legal and social support.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, SafeUKR is enhancing Romania’s capacity to combat human trafficking at critical border points and ensure timely, coordinated responses to protect vulnerable individuals.
A collective effort to strengthen protection
JRS Romania remains committed to collaborating with partners, public institutions, and refugee communities to address human trafficking risks and strengthen long-term resilience.
📢 If you or someone you know needs assistance or information on this issue, please reach out to our team or contact local support services. Together, we can build a safer environment for all refugees in Romania.
For more updates on SafeUKR and our ongoing initiatives, follow JRS Romania’s latest news and advocacy efforts.
