The Fundamental Rights Agency of the European Union (FRA) sees a "high risk" of human trafficking in view of the wave of refugees from Ukraine.

This is one of the findings of a field study in the EU countries that border Ukraine and Moldova, the FRA announced on Wednesday in Vienna.

The director of the EU agency, Michael O'Flaherty, called on the authorities in the relevant countries to take precautions against it.

Stephen Lowenstein

Political correspondent based in Vienna.

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Allegations of racism and discrimination reported in the media must also be investigated;

However, according to the preliminary study, no racist or discriminatory acts were observed.

On the other hand, an “overwhelming solidarity” is generally stated, with officials and volunteers treating the refugees with great friendliness.

With the warning that the plight of refugees and the vulnerability of children in particular could be exploited by human traffickers, the Fundamental Rights Agency addresses concerns that are also articulated by helpers from civil society in the countries themselves.

The European police authority Europol has also warned of this danger.

Avoid risk of carryover

The FRA report states that the numerous offers by volunteers to transport refugees or accommodate them outside of official facilities pose risks, especially for women and children.

It is recommended that the authorities in the countries of first reception issue oral and written warnings in simple and clear language at every opportunity not to accept unofficial offers of carpooling or accommodation.

During its visits to Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, the agency observed that the authorities often checked and registered civilian providers of travel and accommodation options - but often not, especially outside of reception centers and train stations.

In the case of children accompanied by adults, if they are not the parents, it is recommended that the close relationship to the accompanying person be determined by questioning the children using an interpreter.

Unaccompanied children should be taken immediately into “protective care” to avoid the risk of abduction.

Europol issued a warning in The Hague on Tuesday that gangs of human traffickers see women and children as ideal victims in order to exploit them as workers or sexually or to force them to beg.

Children could also be victims of illegal adoptions.

Europol also sees minors traveling alone as particularly at risk.

Criminals kept a targeted lookout for victims at borders, in reception centers, mass accommodation and at train stations.

They could pretend to be helpful citizens and supposedly offer free accommodation or transport or promise jobs.

Criminals also sought out social media platforms for refugees.