Since the beginning of 2025, SOLWODI Hungary has been actively involved in a range of initiatives to combat human trafficking and support victims. Their efforts have included urgent interventions as well as awareness-raising and prevention activities.

In August 2024, SOLWODI Hungary launched a new website featuring a form for those seeking assistance. Throughout this period, the organization has received regular requests for help—ranging from everyday financial issues to urgent cases requiring immediate action. In serious situations, SOLWODI Hungary collaborates closely with the National Help Line (OKIT), notifying them of the cases and providing victims with the helpline’s contact information. So far this year, three critical cases have been addressed.

At the end of January, SOLWODI Hungary visited Karolina School, operated by the SSND sisters in Szeged. This large institution educates children from nursery through secondary school (up to age 18). Representatives spoke with 44 students in the 11th and 12th grades about vulnerabilities that can lead to human trafficking, discussing both sexual exploitation and labor trafficking. This education is especially important for students preparing to enter the workforce. The Szeged region is also a known route for illegal migration, increasing the risk of trafficking.

On February 8th, SOLWODI Hungary held a Mass for victims and survivors of trafficking at the Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart in Budapest, providing a moment of remembrance and solidarity.

In late March, SOLWODI Hungary was invited to Premonstratensian St. Norbert High School in Gödöllő, Pest County, to speak to approximately 200 pupils across six classes in the 9th and 11th grades. The team delivered hour-long presentations, rotating among classes to share different perspectives on trafficking risks and prevention strategies.

Since the 10th-grade students were away on pilgrimage during the March visit, SOLWODI Hungary returned in late May to present to three classes of about 100 students. The presentations highlighted the dangers of sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, and trafficking for organ harvesting—a concerning issue in this region.

Following their visit, the school’s parents’ council invited SOLWODI Hungary to host an information session on May 29th. Over 25 parents attended, where Sr. Gabriella presented insights from the organization’s work in their safe house and provided a comprehensive overview of trafficking risks. The session aimed to help parents understand how traffickers exploit vulnerabilities and how to protect their children. The school generously gifted SOLWODI Hungary books on its history and the life of St. Norbert, along with tickets to visit the Royal Castle of Gödöllő—a deeply appreciated gesture.

Looking ahead, SOLWODI Hungary is preparing for the Mass for victims of trafficking on July 30th, the UN Anti-Trafficking Day. This year’s focus will be on labor exploitation, particularly the risks associated with seasonal work during the summer months.

Caritas Ukraine assists not only survivors of human trafficking, but also victims of conflict related sexual violence.

The situation with human trafficking in Ukraine remains critical.

Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, internal trafficking has significantly increased. According
to official statistics from the National Social Service, 347 individuals were identified as victims of
human trafficking between 2022 and 2024. In 2024 alone, 182 victims were documented.

Alarmingly, in just the first quarter of 2025, 56 new trafficking cases and 39 cases of conflict-
related sexual violence (CRSV) have already been recorded.
More than 70% of these victims suffered from mixed forms of exploitation, often while in
captivity. Many were subjected to sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic servitude, or coerced
into participation in the conflict.

A particularly disturbing trend is the rising trafficking of children, directly linked to the
ongoing war. According to Caritas Ukraine, approximately 10% of all screened survivors are
children.

Here is the story of Andriy (the name is changed), 17 year old boy who was subjected to sexual
violence but was able to escape and received comprehensive assistance from Caritas Ukraine.
Andriy lived in Kherson with his mother.

Since the occupation of part of the city, the child has been under psychological pressure
from the Russian military. For more than 6 months he lived with his mother in his own home, but
the occupation resulted in the fact that the Russian militaries constantly threatened the family with
murder during this period. They systematically came to the family’s home (about 2 times a week).
The son was subjected to sexual violence, he was isolated and his personal belongings were
confiscated. These actions were committed under psychological pressure and threats. When the
soldiers entered the apartment, they began to threaten the mother and son, and as a result of the
threats and psychological pressure, the son agreed to do whatever they demanded to save his
mother’s life. The mother, in turn, did the same. The mother was locked in one room with several
Russian soldiers, and the son in another (neighboring) room. They could move freely around the
room only in the absence of the soldiers who committed violence. When they were locked in
different rooms, they could move only when absolutely necessary in the presence of the military.
After repeated incidents of sexual violence and abuse, the mother persuaded her son to leave
the occupied territory with the evacuation convoy. When the militaries were not present in the
room, they packed the necessary things, as it was possible to leave the city. However, at the
occupiers’ posts, the Russian military gave them a choice: either the son or the mother could leave
the city. The mother agreed to stay in exchange for her son going to a safe environment and being
able to continue his studies. He traveled by train to Chernihiv (to his aunt’s house), where he
renewed his documents, and from there to Ternopil to his grandmother. There he received also IDP
status.

The grandmother came to local Caritas to get help for IDPs (food, hygiene, etc.) and
Caritas staff learned about the boy’s situation and decided to refer him to anti-trafficking project as
a potential victim of trafficking. Now the boy lives with his grandparents and goes to school. His psychological state is
stable, but he misses his mother, with whom he manages to contact, but not often.

The boy is provided with assistance in integrating into society, psychological counseling,
legal assistance, laptop, stationery and school supplies to enable him to study, as well as household
items. Andriy was also referred to the pedagogical specialists to prepare for the school mature
tests and additional classes in academic subjects. He is going to get a higher education.

He is continuing to rebuild his life with the dedicated support of Caritas Ukraine.