The Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, causing large losses of life, massive destruction of infrastructure, and immense human suffering. As of May 2023, more than 8.1 million Ukrainian refugees were recorded across Europe, and 3.6 million* have had to relocate within the country (*registered internally displaced, IOM). 

The ILO estimates  that employment in 2022 will be 15.5 per cent (2.4 million jobs) below the 2021, pre-conflict, level. This projection is not as high as the ILO’s estimate in April 2022, soon after the conflict began, that 4.8 million jobs would be lost. The positive change is a consequence of the reduction in the number of areas of Ukraine under occupation or with active hostilities. However, this partial labour market recovery is modest and highly fragile. 

As the conflict drags on, more Ukrainians could lose their jobs and millions could be pushed into poverty, which could offset the country’s development efforts.
ILO’s immediate response

With support from its long-standing partners in Ukraine, the ILO rapidly re-purposed US$1.3 million of its existing funds to deliver humanitarian aid and income support. These funds have allowed the ILO to provide 7,750 bednights for displaced people in Ukraine, and 3,550 bednights for Ukrainian refugees in Moldova. ILO also rapidly trained 300 Ukrainian labour inspectors on psychological first aid and developed an awareness raising campaign on the risks of human trafficking and labour exploitation  targeting refugees, most of whom are women. As of late September, this campaign has reached out to 1.2 million displaced Ukrainians. All Moldovan labour inspectors received a refreshment training on human trafficking and forced labour, with a focus on persons fleeing the war i Ukraine. With ILO support, the State Labour Inspection provided 54,000 businesses, including relocated ones with information on conducting business during martial law, and on employment relationships. To date, 100,700 visits were made to the SLI website www.pratsia.in.ua.