Simulation exercises are one of the advanced training methods. The essence of training is to immerse the participants in an environment as close as possible to the real situation.
The exercises are organized by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the IOM Representation in Ukraine in close cooperation with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
Interactive practical exercises in the field of combating human trafficking are the best way to ensure coordinated and effective interaction of various departments. This method is most effective in cases where the cooperation of law enforcement officers, social workers, psychologists and civil society is extremely necessary to prevent or investigate a crime, as well as to help victims.
The main objective of the simulation exercise is to strengthen the capacity of the participants to detect cases of human trafficking in a timely manner, to investigate such crimes and to provide the victims of human trafficking with the full range of necessary assistance, using an interagency approach based on the observance of human rights.
The exercise is carried out by immersing the participants in realistic scenarios that simulate cases of labor and sexual exploitation, including cases of exploitation of minors, which in turn will provide an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of detection, identification, response and assistance to victims.
During four simulation exercises in September and October 2023, 120 specialists of the National Cooperation Mechanism from 12 regions of Ukraine practiced the skills of identifying cases of human trafficking, investigating such crimes and providing assistance to victims. The participants were representatives of the migration police, the prosecutor’s office, investigators, inspectors of the State Labor Service of Ukraine, employees of the departments of social protection of the population, services for children, employees of centers of social and psychological assistance, centers of social services and relevant non-governmental organizations.
“With the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the focus of human traffickers shifted from labor to sexual exploitation. A recent survey by the International Organization for Migration showed that more than half of Ukrainian citizens are ready to accept a risky offer that could lead to human trafficking. The representative office of the IOM in Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are doing a very important thing by organizing such large-scale training events for specialists, because the improvement of professional skills and the exchange of experience will contribute to a high-quality response to such crimes,” said Acting Director. Director of the Department of Social Protection of the Population of Lviv Regional Government Roman Andres.