Record has seen many, uncontrolled Facebook groups where war survivors post photos of themselves seeking accommodation and offering to cook and clean in the hope that they can “match up” with a sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine program. A post we saw reads: “I’m a 20-year-old student. Calm and shy. I can help with the housework, cook and go shopping.” Another post, shared by a 16-year-old girl, asks for a home for her and her mother. With many men living in Ukraine to fight, most of those looking for homes are vulnerable women and children, who even offer their jobs, such as housework, in return. Scots can be seen offering rooms in response to posts, and although many people have moved to help refugees are well-intentioned, experts fear these boulevards could be the perfect opportunity for traffickers to strike in disguise. . Read more related articles Read more related articles Charity CARE for Scotland sent a letter to Nicola Sturgeon calling on both the Scottish and UK governments to implement safeguards, while encouraging accommodation offers to be managed through the third sector. Lauren Agnew, a CARE (Christian Action Research and Education) expert on human trafficking, said: “It is encouraging to see the generous response from people across Scotland who want to open their homes and care for refugees. “Unfortunately, there are some concerns about the Homes for Ukraine program, which could be abused by people with malicious intent. “There is a human trafficking and modern slavery industry in the UK and criminals will see the influx of Ukrainian refugees as an opportunity to make a profit. Both governments have a responsibility to act. “Already, uncontrolled groups and accounts are popping up on social media. Traffickers can disguise themselves on these sites as genuine people who want to help when they are actually online to” shop “their next victims for exploitation. “How can Ukrainians know that groups or individuals appearing on social media are genuine and safe?” Together with CARE, Scotland Against Modern Slavery and trafficking survivors, Scotland have expressed deep concern that the Homes for Ukrainians Program allows refugees to be sponsored online. Shan Saba from Scotland Against Modern Slavery, who works with companies to raise awareness about trafficking in the country, described the alarming trend of Ukrainians being “advertised” on the internet as “utter madness”. “Those who need housing are mostly children and women and these are the people who may be exploited for forced labor and sex work,” he said. “All the survivors we helped have experienced exploitation of places on the internet like Gumtree with the false expectation that they are applying for a job. “So I’m worried about these Facebook groups because there are a lot of people who really want to help, there will no doubt be people on those platforms who want to take advantage.” Joy Gillespie from Survivors of Human Trafficking Scotland added: “I’m deeply concerned about the protection of Ukrainian refugees. “It seems you have to find someone to sponsor yourself to help through the UK program. “We know in Scotland that victims are brought here to be exploited with the promise of a better life. “So many people across the country are so generous in opening their homes, but I think the government is giving them too much responsibility. “Ukrainians are coming out of a traumatic situation and I think a lot of people, although they have good intentions, will not have the skills to be able to deal with it. It’s not just a roof over someone’s head. “This will make them even more vulnerable to exploitation if they suddenly have no accommodation.” The Scottish Government says regulations have been passed that entered into force on 24 March to implement a safe, fast and free control system for those who open their homes to displaced Ukrainians. Read more related articles These enhanced controls will offer the same level of control as the initial controls performed for those working with children and vulnerable adults. A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We want Scotland to be a welcoming and safe haven and therefore ensuring the well-being and safety of those arriving from Ukraine, the vast majority of whom are women and children, is crucial. That is why we have taken steps to introduce enhanced disclosure controls for sponsors that will offer the same level of control as the initial controls for those working with children and vulnerable adults. “
