Children's vulnerability and trafficking during armed conflict

: insights from the war in Ukraine

Abstract

This research examines the heightened vulnerability of children to human trafficking in situations of armed conflict. Its main objective is to analyze how conflict exacerbates the risks of exploitation of children, while highlighting the existing international and regional legal frameworks that exist to protect these victims. Furthermore, this work studies the particular situation of vulnerability of Ukrainian children following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, and the primary instruments and mechanisms that were activated in order to shield them from trafficking in the middle of widespread devastation and mass displacement. Findings demonstrate that, despite the existence of important legal instruments and considerable legal developments, significant gaps remain in implementation, prosecution, and victim protection. Moreover, significant limitations were found in the availability and accuracy of data on reported cases, as well as limited access to information in conflict settings, which directly undermines the overall ability to respond to this pressing issue.

Date of Award	7 Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria Isabel Tavares (Supervisor)