January 9 - Impact of the Pandemic on Human Trafficking

T​o those wondering what effect COVID-19 and the response to the virus is having on the trafficking landscape, the Polaris Project has responded, “The reality is we don’t – and can’t – know for certain, but we are deeply concerned. Specifically, we are worried that the economic effects of this virus will increase some of the vulnerabilities that make people susceptible to sex and labor trafficking in the first place – economic need, unstable living conditions, and substance use issues among others." Read more here.

Locally and internationally, migrant populations, domestic workers, and workers in certain industries such as food supply chains have been more vulnerable to labor trafficking while at the same time limitations to in-person outreach, investigation and service provision during the pandemic have many concerned about a potential decrease in identification of victims and services provided to survivors of labor trafficking.

For more information about local, national and international trends see:

Polaris Project - Human Trafficking During the COVID-19 Pandemic

UNODC Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trafficking in Persons

IOM - COVID-19 Analytical Snapshot: Human Trafficking

ILAB's Response to COVID-19