MODERN SLAVERY & HUMAN TRAFFICKING DURING COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic human trafficking is bound to remain a significant issue as traffickers look to take advantage of the high number of job losses, deaths and limitations on resources and economic opportunities. 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. 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 countries begin to respond to the pandemic, traffickers take advantage of the high number of job losses, deaths in the family and limitations on resources and economic opportunities. It is our commitment to fighting human trafficking however it may be manifested, and we continue to respond to the issue of human traffcking and modern slavery during this time.
WHO MAY BE VULNERABLE TO TRAFFICKING?
SPOTTING THE SIGNS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND/OR EXPLOITATION IN ADULTS
• New or unknown persons entering a property at a single time, with no sign of exit after a few hours • New or unknown persons working on fields, farms and factories, despite the lockdown
WOMEN
MIGRANT
CHILDREN
WORKERS
• Controlled movement of an individual or groups of people • Allow others to speak for them when being addressed (for example when law enforcers stop and ask questions during lockdown) • Forced begging on the streets
PEOPLE WITH
DOMESTIC WORKERS
DISABILITES
• Cuts, bruises, wounds and injuries as a result of physical and/domestic violence
HOW CAN THE SALVATION ARMY
SPOTTING THE SIGNS OF HUMAN
EASILY RESPOND?
TRAFFICKING AND/OR EXPLOITATION IN CHILDREN
Maintain communication with community members and survivors
Listen out for signs, methods and vulnerabilities of human trafficking
• Talking about new friends met online • Receiving several calls or messages from their new friend • Becoming withdrawn and secretive • Children appearing guarded around a particular individual • Children appearing withdrawn, anxious or frightened
Raise awareness, utilising online platforms
Resources and tools for community to prevent and report trafficking cases
• Children looking unkempt and not changing their clothes • Becoming worried for being away from an electronic device for long periods of time • Talking about any gifts or money they have received online