At least 1.5 million children have fled the war in Ukraine since the invasion began on February 24, with thousands more internally displaced.
UNICEF warned on Saturday that children fleeing their homes are facing a further threat from human traffickers, who often seek to exploit the chaos of large population movements, Sky News reports.
Recent analysis conducted by UNICEF and the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking (ICAT) revealed that 28% of identified victims of trafficking are children.
However, experts believe that children are likely to make up an even higher percentage of potential victims of trafficking from Ukraine.
This is because women and children make up almost all the refugees who have fled the war so far.
also
Hundreds of children killed and missing in Ukraine
About 500 unaccompanied minors were identified crossing from Ukraine to Romania between 24 February and 17 March.
“The war in Ukraine is leading to mass displacement and refugee flows – conditions that could lead to a significant increase in human trafficking and an acute child protection crisis. Displaced children are extremely vulnerable to separation from their families, exploitation and trafficking. They need governments in the region to take measures to keep them safe," said Afshan Khan, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.
