Amsterdam, March 8, 2023: VEON Ltd. VEONVEON)), a global digital operator providing converged connectivity and online services, today announces its support of the “BeSafe” campaign to protect Ukrainian women and children from the risks of human trafficking. VEON, through its Ukrainian digital operator Kyivstar, is participating in the campaign by initiating a messaging system to warn and protect potentially vulnerable Ukrainians by raising awareness and enabling risk reporting.

Be sure is an awareness and protection campaign organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Thomson Reuters to provide Ukrainians with important information on how to recognize the warning signs of human traffickers, minimize risks and get help about crisis Hotlines can be obtained in 12 European countries.

In support of the initiative, VEON is providing technical assistance, while Kyivstar is launching a messaging campaign reaching out to displaced Ukrainians in countries of refuge with advice on how to report suspected human trafficking and how to find help. The messaging campaign focuses on people who have been displaced to high-risk countries known to be involved in human trafficking.

“Women and children make up about 90% of those who have left Ukraine and more than half of those displaced. The rise in the number of vulnerable people means opportunities for traffickers, and we must do everything we can to protect those most at risk. ” explains Matthieu Galvani, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of the VEON Group. “With Kyivstar’s focus on serving the most vulnerable communities and thanks to the collaboration of our co-operators for roaming like-home services, mobile phones are once again a lifeline for the Dissemination of accurate information. We are honored to be part of this initiative to help Ukrainians displaced from their homes stay safe.”

Victims of Ukrainian human trafficking in Europe are expected to increase ninefold, according to a recently released United States study.