Ukraine and Human Trafficking
Nicole Baldonado
Office of the Indiana AttorneyDecember 27, 2012
Center for Urban History, Lviv
Human trafficking is the fastest growing and second largest criminal industry in the world, generating roughly $32 billion annually for the criminal underworld. According to the U.S. State Department, an estimated 27 million men, women, and children are victims of human trafficking throughout the world. Human trafficking occurs when people are recruited to work or provide services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, and it includes both labor and sex trafficking.
Ukraine is a country of origin, transit and destination for trafficking victims, and internal trafficking is growing problem. The International Organization for Migration estimates that over 110,000 Ukrainians have become victims of human trafficking since 1991, and the nation is one of the largest countries of origin in Europe.
This session considered the international problem of human trafficking, the definitions of the crime, and the vulnerabilities of victims. We also considered what cultural influences may promote human trafficking and what local individuals and groups can do to be part of the solution to this problem.
Nicole Baldonado
serves in the Office of the Indiana Attorney General as Project Manager of Human Trafficking Prevention. She is involved in raising community and professional awareness and providing trainings on the issue of human trafficking. Ms. Baldonado is also responsible for writing awareness materials and developing training and assessments tools related to this issue. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Indianapolis, where she was recognized for her academic work to eliminate oppression and promote social justice. Ms. Baldonado also has experience working with at-risk and homeless youth and in international service outreaches.