When Responses to Disasters & Trafficking Intersect

Last October 27, 2023, VF and Free the Slaves (FTS) organized a workshop entitled "Human Trafficking & Climate Change" that aimed to explore the connections between these issues and strengthen stakeholder responses. 

A joint study conducted by Free the Slaves and its Filipino partner JPIC-IDC focused on the link between human trafficking and climate change in Eastern Visayas and Caraga. It revealed the harsh reality of modern slavery in communities already grappling with the severe effects of climate change.

“Climate change-related disasters exacerbate the risk of human trafficking, as vulnerable communities struggle with loss of livelihoods, displacement, and heightened vulnerabilities,” say Dr. Marta Furlan, FTS Senior Program Manager for Research.

The workshop highlighted the critical concern of the intersection between human trafficking and climate change. Roland Pacis, Policy Advocacy Consultant of VF, emphasized the need for collaboration to create a resilient, just, and sustainable communities through intersecting interventions transcending missional silos.

VF and the Quezon City Public Employment Service Office (QC-PESO) have been long-standing partners in campaign for laws on child labor, trafficking and kasambahays. The QC-PESO became the first LGU office to register and enlist domestic workers.

A recent report by UNICEF highlighted that weather-related disasters have led to approximately 20,000 child displacements per day globally. The Philippines enacted the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, which strengthens penalties campaign against human trafficking done particularly during crises or disasters.