Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are global problems, usually involving transnational criminal networks that prey on vulnerable men, women, and children. Statistical analysis by the United Nations indicates a gradual increase in cases of human trafficking. The reason for this is likely to be a combination of increased trafficking activity and better capacity among authorities and NGOs to detect and report trafficking cases. Modern slavery is another word that can describe the methods adopted by the traffickers, which typically involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to get another person to provide labor or exploitative sex. The act, means and purpose are all important elements of the crime of trafficking in persons.
The socioeconomic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated vulnerability to human trafficking as millions of people worldwide have been forced out of work or education. Violent conflict in Myanmar, Syria and Yemen has caused large-scale displacement of people including nearly a million Rohingya who fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh.
Women and children continue to be disproportionately affected by human trafficking. UN data shows that out of every ten victims of human trafficking, five are women and two are girls.
Human trafficking remains a major concern for Bangladesh. Although empirical data is not easy to get, it is estimated that around 20,000 Bangladeshi women and children are trafficked to India, Pakistan and the Middle East every year. The 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report by the US State Department placed Bangladesh in Tier 2 which means Bangladesh does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.
Recent high-profile cases of trafficking and people smuggling include the case of a member of parliament who allegedly bribed Kuwaiti officials to bring more than 20,000 Bangladeshis into Kuwait on work visas which mentioned a different job, and paid the workers significantly lower wages than promised, or none at all. Another case involved a TikTok influencer who used social media to lure and trap women. Anti Trafficking organizations have documented many cases of Bangladeshis trapped abroad in conditions close to modern slavery.
This study sought to identify information and knowledge gaps that act as push or pull factors in the trafficking of women, as well as gauge what communication strategies work and what does not work in the areas of trafficking prevention, protection, prosecution, and reintegration. It also includes recommendations for developing an effective communication strategy and information tools to prevent human trafficking among at-risk women.
The research was conducted using a mixed method approach. Data was collected from survivors of human trafficking incidents and stakeholders involved in anti-trafficking efforts. Due to pandemic restrictions, all data collection was phone-based.
Quantitative data was collected via a survey using a structured questionnaire (N=52) over the telephone among female survivors from selected districts with high incidences of trafficking. To better understand, validate and contextualize the findings, the research team conducted 8 In-depth interviews (IDIs) with female survivors. In addition, 8 Key informant interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders at the district and national level were conducted to understand the contexts and patterns of trafficking and anti-trafficking measures. The quantitative data was collected using Kobo Toolbox and analyzed using STATA statistical software. Manual coding and word processors were used for organizing, coding, and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
The research uncovered significant gaps in knowledge and understanding that made women vulnerable to exploitation. One of the biggest impediments to anti-trafficking efforts is a lack of understanding of the issue. This study found a widespread lack of awareness among the at-risk women. But there appears to be a lack of understanding from the authorities and anti-trafficking organizations as well, especially regarding the best ways to communicate with vulnerable women.
Consistent with the general profile of trafficking survivors in Bangladesh, most of the respondents appeared to be from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The majority had 5 to 10 years of schooling, although only 9.6% had completed the Secondary School Certificate or higher. A total of 53.85 %of respondents were unemployed at the time of their departure, and the majority of those that were working expressed discontent with their jobs before leaving the country. The findings underline the economic vulnerability of these women, which makes them susceptible to the approaches from traffickers and their agents.
Most of the participating women had negative experiences during their time abroad, ranging from ‘not very good’ (15%) to ‘very bad’ (71%). More than 80% of women say they have been subjected to physical, mental, or sexual exploitation abroad. Around 46% of women say they were forced to have sex without their consent, with 45% of this group saying a condom was not always used.
The study reveals a general lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health with about 71.15% of the respondents saying they don’t know what to do if they have menstrual-related problems. Those with a better knowledge of sexual and reproductive health are significantly more likely to report having negative experiences abroad (p < 0.05). This may be a matter of increased awareness overall.
The vast majority (94.23%) of survey respondents said they were completely unaware that they
might be exposed to abusive conditions when working abroad. Most said they had not received counter-trafficking information from the government or other sources prior to going abroad.
The majority of the women (77%) said counter trafficking information was not easy to get and 71% said these messages are not visible enough in the community. Women with higher levels of education are significantly more likely to find the government’s efforts lacking.
In the Key Informant Interviews, counter trafficking organizations stressed the need to tailor communications and messaging to the target audience. Women’s lack of mobility and limited access to resources often mean they are not able to access public-interest information as easily as men. The head of a USAID-supported counter-trafficking project said policymakers should try to change the profile of would-be migrants and concentrate on sending highly skilled migrant workers to destination countries.
A senior police officer who is part of a counter trafficking committee said it was important to include sexual education and counter-trafficking information in the school curriculum. A journalist involved in covering human trafficking said alternative livelihood opportunities should be created for at-risk women.
The report concludes that significant knowledge gaps exist among young Bangladeshi women targeted by human traffickers.
The report recommends increased investment in behavior change communication, interpersonal communication involving community influencers and the promotion of digital literacy and digital tools to build resilience to human trafficking.
Ultimately, the crime of human trafficking is rooted in issues of governance, rights and livelihoods. Poverty and lack of economic opportunity are the most significant factors that push Bangladeshi women into the clutches of human traffickers.
The Sustainable Development Goals specifically mention human trafficking in the targets of three goals: 5, 8, and 16, underlining that human trafficking is ultimately a sustainable development issue. Only an inclusive rights-based approach to development can defeat the scourge of human trafficking.
