The increase of human trafficking in emergency contexts has repeatedly been demonstrated and detected worldwide. In Nepal, the 2015 earthquake, which affected two-thirds of the population, led to an increase in cases of trafficking in persons. These cases mainly resulted in the sexual exploitation of girls and women. Another case is that of Hindu men as victims of trafficking for labor exploitation in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which afflicted the U.S. in 2005.

Among the main reasons for increased vulnerability to trafficking in emergency and disaster situations are:

  • Widespread lack of economic opportunities, so that affected populations tend to resort to risky survival strategies, such as believing in the false promises of traffickers.
  • If not managed properly, camps or temporary shelters can be contact points for traffickers and their potential victims.
  • Emergencies may exceed the capacity of States to protect their citizens, particularly in protracted emergencies, which increases exposure to the risks of human trafficking.
  • Due to the very nature of this crime and the complexity that typically prevails in an emergency context, many cases remain hidden for a long time to the great detriment of the victims.

In 2008, in Resolution 63/156 on trafficking of women and girls, the General Assembly of the United Nations referred for the first time to the need to address the problem of trafficking in the context of emergencies. This resolution encourages those dealing with disaster and emergency situations to address evidence of the increased vulnerability of women and girls to trafficking and exploitation.

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Actions to face trafficking in emergency contexts:
 
Due to the complex environment that accompanies emergency situations, the issue of human trafficking is not often incorporated as a variable of immediate or necessary attention by governmental and non-governmental interlocutors working in disaster prevention, response and recovery.
 
However, it is essential to protect the rights and dignity of all persons affected by a disaster (including migrants) before, during and after an emergency.
 
The fight against trafficking in persons in emergency situations must be understood as a measure of "immediate assistance to save lives". Trafficking must be considered as much of a priority as any other response to an emergency situation aimed at guaranteeing the comprehensive protection of vulnerable people, whether nationals or migrants. That is why anti-trafficking activities deserve a place in the comprehensive protection approach that is applied in emergency situations.
 
Some key actions to address crime in emergencies context are the following:
 
1. Conduct education and awareness campaigns about human trafficking for both the exposed or affected population and those working in disaster prevention, response and recovery.
2. Disseminate tools to detect possible human trafficking cases and know to whom to refer them.
3. Execute preventive and non-reactive actions. Anti-trafficking measures must be proactive and protective, so they must be applied immediately when an emergency situation is detected, even if the scope or impact of the activities of trafficking networks is unknown.
4. Give inclusive answers that recognize the diverse needs of the different groups of people that require assistance.
5. Ensure good coordination and management of camps and temporary accommodations by identifying the risk factors that can lead to human trafficking situations.
6. Ensure adequate access to food, water, proper lighting in areas regularly used by women and girls, segregation of sanitary facilities, mechanisms for confidentiality of complaints in the case of violations, additional surveillance and creation of safe spaces for women and girls, and the separation of the accommodations of orphans and unaccompanied children from the accommodations of adults.
 
Human trafficking is an even more ominous risk in disaster situations. Integrating this type of action in response to emergencies can prevent the exploitation of human beings.

 

Pertinent Sources:

Encarar la Trata y Explotación de Personas en Tiempos de Crisis

Climate Change – Human Trafficking Nexus

Página Web regional de la OIM sobre trata de personas.