Mobile telephone operators together with the IOM introduce a free information line against human trafficking

On 25 April 2007 the International Organization for Migration in Ukraine (IOM) and the leading mobile communications operators in Ukraine “Astelit”, “Kyivstar GSM” and UMC are to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at building constructive cooperation in preventing human trafficking in the country.

This is the first time in Ukraine that mobile operators will be joining forces with the IOM to combat human trafficking and to raise public awareness of the need to protect people’s rights when working abroad.

The first step will be a free mobile telephone number 527 which will work on a non-commercial basis providing reliable information about the realities and possible dangers which migrants can face outside Ukraine.

The signing ceremony will be attended by Jeffrey Labovits, the Head of the International Organization for Migration in Ukraine, Ruken Tekes, Advisor to the UN Coordinator in Ukraine, Oksana Rudyuk, Head of the Public Relations Department of “Astelit”, Jeanna Revnova, Head of the Corporate Communications Department of “Kyivstar GSM” and Viktoria Ruban, Head of the Public Relations Department of UMC.

More information about the ceremony on 25 April can be obtained from the IOM office 380 44 568 50 15; 8 067 243 45 85, or by email: [email protected]