Conference in New Jersey to focus on trafficking of Ukrainian women (06/28/98)

Conference in New Jersey to focus on trafficking of Ukrainian women

MANALAPAN, N.J. - The trafficking in women from Ukraine and Russia is increasing rapidly. Most women are recruited through friends and acquaintances, but on arrival in the destination country, find themselves indebted to a trafficker or club owner. While many of the women are offered legitimate jobs and then are either tricked or forced into prostitution, others know from the beginning that they will work as prostitutes. Most of the traffickers are members of the Russian mafia, which operates in many countries.

The full scale of the problem remains unknown, however, because few women are prepared, or able, to report what has happened to them to the police. Trafficking in women continues to be a considerably under-reported offense throughout Europe, and in particular in Ukraine. One reason for that may be the states' lack of experience in dealing with this issue. Greater international cooperation to combat illegal trafficking and organized crime is necessary in order to reduce trafficking in women.

Sponsored by Project Harmony, an intensive 12-day series of training programs and activities on "Trafficking of Ukrainian Women" will be held in New Jersey on July 20-31. A group of 20 Ukrainians comprising police, attorneys and government officials from Kyiv will take part in the program to be held at the Ramada Hotel in East Hanover, N.J. This program will provide participants with practical skills, networking opportunities and access to U.S. and international resources.

Among the Ukrainian representatives attending the conference will be: Mykhailo Lebid, head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs; Oksana Vynohradova, head of the Ministry of Justice Legislative Department; Vasyl Nevolia, first deputy head of the National Bureau of INTERPOL in Ukraine; and Kateryna Levchenko, president of La Strada Ukraine. Representing the United States will be members of the Clinton administration, Congress, Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service, FBI, local law enforcement officials, judges and prosecutors.

The training program will focus on three areas: law enforcement and international legal efforts to combat trafficking; public education, prevention and support networks; and the creation of a public-private initiative in Ukraine to combat trafficking.

Organizers are looking for individuals fluent in Ukrainian and English to act as interpreters. Compensation is $100 per day, along with travel expenses; travel to Washington for two days is required. Those interested in acting as an interpreter, or interested in obtaining more information about this program, may contact Walter Zalisko, (732) 446-0884, or e-mail [email protected], as soon as possible.