The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused a wave of millions of refugees, increasing the level of global migration and triggering a humanitarian crisis the world has not experienced since World War II. Meanwhile, women and children, while still the main victims of human trafficking, are now also the main refugee population. The increased risks faced by unaccompanied, separated children are of particular concern. This humanitarian crisis, in turn, may lead to a further escalation of human trafficking.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons also draws attention to the role of technology in exacerbating exploitation and human trafficking. Information technology is increasingly being used in the current slave labor market: Fake digital advertisements for high-paying jobs with bonded commissions; “adult services” or blatant prostitution, including child prostitution; and other seemingly tempting offers from smugglers are all on the rise. During the humanitarian crisis following the military action by Russia in Ukraine, there has been a frightening increase in online demand for Ukrainian women. Global search traffic for Ukrainian escorts increased by 200-300% in the first three months of the war compared to figures prior to February 24, 2022.
On September 19, 2016, the UN Summit unanimously endorsed the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants. This includes a number of commitments, including the full protection of the rights of all refugees and migrants as rights holders, regardless of their status, and the development of responses to large-scale movements with full respect for international human rights law and other relevant standards. Despite this crucial outcome document, the problem of forced labor has not yet been resolved. Moreover, this illicit market is actively developing.
But it’s not all hopeless. Some of today’s technological companies and platforms offer end-to-end solutions. For example, Joblio Inc., founded by Jon Purizhansky and chaired by former Manpower Group president David Arkless, provides the most efficient process for recruiting, training, and retraining migrants for international employment. The company’s unique Applicant Concierge Experience (ACE) program focuses on managing the pre-departure and post-arrival migrant labor community. It helps foreign jobseekers start adapting to their new environments before they leave their home countries.
Joblio’s accessible global platform, unlike the opaque and inefficient practices of the current international migrant labor market, removes unethical intermediaries from the process, creating greater economic attractiveness for both employers and employees. Its streamlined and transparent recruitment process results in a faster processing of candidates, higher employee satisfaction, and lower employee turnover.
Mr. Arkless is a former president of Manpower Group, a former adviser at the US Department of State and to various EU agencies, as well as a member of the CIETT board and corporate committee. As co-author of the Modern Slavery Act, he brings personal experience to Joblio’s global expansion: “I have worked with Joblio for many years because I have always seen this company as a solution to the global problem of abuse of migrants and foreign workers,” Arkless said.
Jon Purizhansky: “We provide the conditions for transparent and ethical recruitment of foreign talent. We constantly ensure that our partners comply with both legal and ethical standards. Our contractual agreements incorporate a clause that prevents any partner or service provider from engaging in modern slavery.”