COVID-19 Could Be To Blame For An Increase in Modern Slavery
Start writing a post
News

COVID-19 Could Be To Blame For An Increase in Modern Slavery

COVID-19 should truly be dubbed the "great exacerbator."

54
COVID-19 Could Be To Blame For An Increase in Modern Slavery

2020 was a sad, frustrating year all around. The world lost one of its most beloved athletes, Kobe Bryant, mourned the passing of civil rights activist, Rep. John Lewis, and came face first with the deadly virus, COVID-19.

COVID-19 has received endless news coverage on the poor lives it has taken, suggested safety guidelines, and the impending vaccine distribution. All things we need to know. Yet, mass media has turned a blind eye to some of the other ways COVID-19 can be detrimental and life-altering. Namely, in regards to human trafficking.

Human trafficking, also known as modern slavery, is referred to as the forceful, manipulative, or coercive transportation or harboring of a person for labor or sex. It's a billion-dollar industry and one of the hardest crimes to bust due to an endless number of factors (e.g. victim-blaming and legal repercussions, fear of a trafficker, issues proving the lack of willingness, etc.).

Human trafficking is a silent crime that affects the lives of millions of men, women, and children from every country, race, and socio-economic class. However, it is a well-known fact that human trafficking victimization is more prevalent amongst women and those living in poverty. Hence, why COVID-19 might create even more problems in regards to modern slavery.

According to findings from the Pew Research Center published in September 2020, one in four adults can barely make ends meet, and almost 50% of lower-income Americans shared they've had trouble paying their bills since the COVID-19 outbreak. Of course, these things are due to job losses due to the virus.

With the lower-income rate seemingly getting higher due to the Coronavirus, this could also result in some sad consequences for those living in extreme poverty all across the globe. Reportedly from a news article by PBS, several safe houses and organizations from over 100 countries geared towards helping human trafficking victims are having a hard time providing human trafficking victims with basic services and needs during this pandemic. According to ODIHR/U.N. Women, only a small 24% of the anti-human trafficking organizations reported they would be able to remain fully operational without extra funding in the next 12 months.

Placing aside the fact that this pandemic (likely from the lack of governmental support and budget cuts) has lessened the amount of support and services they can give to human trafficking victims, it also exacerbates the demand organizations regularly see, like the number of folks that need housing; due to social distancing guidelines, some folks (even women running from abusers) have to be turned away to fulfill capacity guidelines. Sadly, around 5% of trafficking safehouses have closed down since the pandemic started.

The harshest reality many impoverished people face from COVID-19 is that their financial situation is only going to get worse. Many of the people that fall victim to human trafficking do because of the promise they get that "life will be better." Thus, it's easy to predict that there will be a rise in human trafficking cases as poverty (which makes folks more susceptible to this issue) is going up and the number of resources/services available to help are seemingly going down.

Overall, 2020 presented the world with a plethora of challenges - especially for those coming from lower-income backgrounds. Human trafficking prevalence is predictably going to heighten, however, visit sites like PolarisProject.org to keep informed and updated on human trafficking during this trying time. Use this new year, and especially the month of January (National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month), to learn and shed light on the horrors of modern slavery.


Check out my YouTube video on Human Trafficking in North Carolina for some basic facts/stats about modern slavery!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Rory Gilmore
Bustle

Quick-witted and insanely smart, Rory Gilmore has a track record for memorable, relevant quotes that have become a part of fans’ repertoires. With it being finals season, many of Rory’s words can be conveniently interpreted to reflect life during the last weeks of the semester. Here are some of Rory’s wisest words that explain your life during finals season.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rosh Hashanah Reflection

My experience welcoming the Jewish new year.

335
Rosh Hashanah Reflection
The Huffington Post

Well, the fall season is finally upon us. It’s time for pumpkin spice coffee, apple cider and lots of candy.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Fall Is Here!

10 reasons why you should love fall

3328
Fall Is Here!
Photo Cred: T Stangell

It's officially fall, which means I am happy, so very happy. Fall is hands down the best season on the planet. Below, I will go over reasons as to why fall is the best and should be loved by everyone.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Coffee! Coffee! Coffee!

Lorelai Gilmore and I are kindred spirits.

4987
Coffee! Coffee! Coffee!

When I was in high school, I was the occasional coffee drinker, if you could call it that. I would drink Starbucks frappuccinos and iced mocha drinks, which were more like snacks than coffee, BUT they had coffee in them, so I said I drank coffee. I progressed from my love of “snack drinks" to a more general appreciation of coffee, and would have a cup of coffee once a week or so. My “cup of coffee" would consist of a little coffee and a lot of cream and sugar, but it was coffee nonetheless. Then I started college.

Keep Reading...Show less
14 of the Most Revolutionary Short Films of All Time
JoinOneLove

Today's society places a ridiculous amount of importance on social media and what we see on our computer screens. Some of these short films you might have seen shared on Facebook. Some of them you may have never even heard of. Whatever the case may be, these productions have used thier position of power in our world today to spread a message. The messages vary from domestic violence, LGBTQ acceptance, self-love, the role of men in society to end the unfair treatment towards women and even the promotion of the furtherence of medical discovery in our country. Regardless of the message, each film advertises something that needs far more screen time than Victoria's Secret Fashion shows or Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Here are 14 of the best and most revolutionary short films to date:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments