Ukrainian singer Jamala becomes UN Goodwill Ambassador

Ukrainian singer Jamala became the Goodwill Ambassador for combating trafficking in persons. 

She supported the multi-year work of the International Organization for Migration - United Nations Migration Agency, having starred in social issue advertisement.

The advertisement will appear on the air of Ukrainian TV channels on October 18, on the European Day against Trafficking in Persons, the IOM Ukraine reports.

As Jamala stated, a lot of Ukrainians live on the brink of poverty and are ready to work anywhere and in any conditions. They, as a rule, become victims of trafficking in persons and fall into slavery. Unfortunately, the number of victims is growing every year.

"This campaign, of course, will not solve the problem but it can attract attention of the media, officials and society. The main goal is to warn Ukrainians that they should be very cautious when considering job offers abroad," the singer said.

One-fifth of Ukraine's population, responding to questions within a recent IOM study, said they would be ready to illegally cross the border, work in closed premises or give their passport to an employer to get a job.

According to the IOM study, more than 230,000 Ukrainians have become victims of trafficking in persons since 1991.

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