Ukrainian Girls Now Top Search Term On Google As NGO Fears Sexual Exploitation Of Ukrainian Refugees

A non-governmental organisation specialised in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation has warned that women fleeing from Ukraine could become sexually exploited – while Google Trends shows a sharp rise in search queries for ‘Ukrainian girls’.

ACT212, a Swiss organisation focusing on the fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation, has teamed up with local organisations in Moldova to save women and children on the run from the war in Ukraine from falling into the hands of human traffickers.

ACT212 managing director Irene Hirzel said: “It’s sad and depressing. However, the current situation is anything but new. Refugees are vulnerable. People on the run are always targeted by human traffickers. They are not interested in supporting anyone, they are just in it for the money.”

Hundreds of civilians evacuated from Borodyanka, Kiev region, on 2th of March 2022, after Russians turned the city into debris. (SES of Ukraine/Newsflash)

Hirzel underlined the precarious state of things for women and children leaving Ukraine as men aged between 18 and 60 had to stay to defend their country.

Statistics show that the number of Google search requests for ‘Ukrainian girls’ has increased sharply on the first day of Russia’s invasion of its neighbouring country – and figures have kept high ever since. Hirzel stressed that similar developments can be observed on porn websites.

Meanwhile, there have been reports in German media on how the large number of refugees from Ukraine has its first effects on illegal prostitution at Berlin main station and other public places.

Hundreds of civilians evacuated from Borodyanka, Kiev region, on 2th of March 2022, after Russians turned the city into debris. (SES of Ukraine/Newsflash)

A charity worker told the Berliner Zeitung: “Whoremongers are sending their Ukrainian forced prostitutes to the station to approach female refugees from their home country. At first, they are just offering a place to stay.”

A Berlin police spokesman said: “We are observing the situation very carefully and appeal on everyone to contact us in case of any suspicious events.”

Speaking about possible developments regarding the situation of refugees, Hirzel explained: “In the beginning, they have some money. When they run out of it, desperation sets in. This is the moment human traffickers enter the field. They approach them to offer ‘ways to earn some money’. That’s when their exploitation starts.”

Hundreds of civilians evacuated from Borodyanka, Kiev region, on 2th of March 2022, after Russians turned the city into debris. (SES of Ukraine/Newsflash)

ACT212 is cooperating with Moldovan organisations to protect women and their children getting caught in this vicious cycle. Hirzel said: “Our staff are carrying signs saying ‘Don’t pay anything, we will help you for free.’”

Regarding the situation in Moldova, the ACT212 head said: “People are showing an overwhelming amount of solidarity. But Molova is the poorest country in Europe. They will soon be overburdened.”

The ACT212 Consulting and Training Center against Human trafficking and Sexual exploitation is a non-governmental organisation based in the city of Bern, Switzerland. The non-profit association is party-politically independent and denominationally neutral. ‘ACT’ stands for Addressing, Cooperating and Taking Action.

The use of the search term ‘Ukrainian girls’ on Google in the past 12 months worldwide. (Newsflash)

ACT212 is committed to fighting human trafficking and exploitation in and outside of Switzerland. The association serves as a point of contact for questions and challenges in the field of human trafficking and offers support with its expertise. ACT212 seeks to identify victims of human trafficking or sexual exploitation, guarantee comprehensive protection for victims and achieve an effective punishment of perpetrators.