MODERN SLAVERY & HUMAN TRAFFICKING DURING COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the world with several constraints, welcoming new ways to carry out our day-to-day activities.
To reduce the
spread of the virus, several measures have been introduced including lockdowns, social distancing, travel restrictions and limitations on economic and public activities.
Although these enforcements have increased police visibility and possibly discouraged crimes, much of the criminal activity
can continue behind closed doors.
In trafficking in persons, criminals have adjusted their approach, by abusing modern technologies.
Given
the
restriction of movement, reduction of social and public services and diversion of law enforcement resources, victims of human trafficking have less chance of escape and receiving help.
As several countries begin to ease their lockdown, human trafficking is bound to remain a significant problem as traffickers take advantage of the high number of job losses, deaths in the family and limitations on resources and economic opportunities.
The
Salvation
Army
globally
will
slowly
resume activities through the corps, projects and programme; it is our commitment to continue responding to the issue through these activities in order to prevent and protect our communities from trafficking in persons and modern-day slavery.
WHO MAY BE VULNERABLE TO TRAFFICKING?
During the pandemic,
women are more likely to lose their jobs or unable to go to work .
For example,
women who work in garment factories, hospitality and farming have lost their jobs given the lack of demand and halt in trading.
For women who are self-employed, they are less likely to receive low interest loans and
small business grants to re-start their business. Africa claimed they could not pay their loans.
For instance, 24% of self-employed women in Sub-Saharan
Women are also more likely to be involved in unpaid work, such
as domestic chores and child care, which is expected to increase as a result of lockdowns and the need to WOMEN
Limited financial access and the struggle for survival can in fact lead women to accept risky job offers from human traffickers. stay at home – as such, women can be also be restricted from going to work.
With travel restrictions and countries closing their borders, migrant workers cannot go home. may
even
be
unregistered
access to public support.
which
makes
their
situation
much
more
complex
and
may
go
Some
unrecognised
for
In Thailand however, some undocumented migrants are entitled to benefits but are
afraid to claim this in fear that if they file a complaint against their employer, they will lose their jobs after the lockdown is eased. are
reluctant
to
make
Others are dependent on their employers but with the economy on standby, employers financial
expenses
and
investments.
In
countries
such
as
Dubai,
Hong
Kong
and
the
MIGRANT WORKERS
Philippines
for
instance,
seafarers
have
been
abandoned
by
their
employers
leaving
them
with
no
pay
or
The sheer desperation for survival and to provide for their families back home, migrant workers may resort to opportunities proposed by traffickers. benefits.
Domestic
workers
are
particularly
vulnerable
to
exploitation,
violence
and
abuse.
In
countries
where
the
Kafala system is employed, domestic workers are exposed to labour exploitation as they are bound to their employers who have the power to withhold or deny pay and work permits.
During the lockdown, domestic
workers are confined indoors and may be obliged to work longer hours
since entire families and children
are staying at home or may be forced to take care of sick family members without the appropriate protection, DOMESTIC WORKERS
putting themselves at risk of catching Covid-19. care)
is
also
limited
for
domestic
workers
Access to social security (i.e. no sick pay, access to health
meaning
that
some
may
never
be
entitled
to
any
health/medical
due to their status. A d d i t i o n a l l y , domestic workers may also find themselves at higher risk of further violence and abuse by their employers. related treatment
School closures have blocked access to education and a source of food and shelter for some.
This can
force children onto the streets in search for food and money, thus making them vulnerable for exploitation.
For traffickers lurking online, this is a prime opportunity to groom children and manipulate them to perform sexual activities. Classes
Such CHILDREN
have
now
attempts
involved
where
moved
have the
online
been
with
identified
trafficker
pays
children
as
them
spending
“delivery” to
or
perform
more
time
“drive-thru”
sexual
acts
on
the
services.
on
the
internet.
In
child
some –
this
cases, is
parents
known
as
are
online
also child
sexual exploitation.
Those
with
disabilities
and
learning
difficulties
are
already
vulnerable
to
trafficking
and
the
Covid-19
Lockdown has increased isolation and dependence for people with disabilities meaning that victims already in exploitation are likely to face further violence and abuse. pandemic only enhances their risks.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES
Furthermore,
messaging
of
trafficking
often
overlooks
people
rescue operations and support provisions available to them.
with
disabilities,
and
this
can
influence
the