How the COVID-19 Pandemic has Impacted Human Trafficking
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted billions of people across the globe. A year filled with nationwide lockdowns, economic downturns and public health crises has jeopardized the mental and physical health of so many individuals. Victims and survivors of human trafficking are no exception to this trend and have been uniquely affected by the pandemic.
With shutdowns and lockdowns becoming commonplace during the pandemic, governments and NGOs’ capacities to provide support to survivors of human trafficking were limited as donors’ and officials’ focus shifted towards public health and combatting the virus. Support services were shut down and have since received less funding, making it that much more difficult for survivors to have access to the resources necessary to ensure their basic needs are met. Alongside a lack of resources contributing to their physical well-being, survivors have reported a decline in their mental health as a result of isolation, according to Sara Thornton, Britain’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
A child in Dressember Network member Love 146’s program works on the garden.
Additionally, these shutdowns have led to economic downturns across the globe, resulting in a sudden surge of job losses leaving communities more vulnerable to exploitative work and crime. The exploitative nature of human trafficking has only been amplified by the pandemic, as it has driven trafficking increasingly underground, making it harder to combat and that much more violent. Dressember Network member Truckers Against Trafficking reported that the chances of intervention decreased for many survivors with fewer points of social contact, making it harder than ever for survivors to get help. In the Philippines and other areas, cybersex trafficking is increasing, and organizations like Dressember Network member International Justice Mission (IJM) are rising to combat it with Dressember’s support.
Since the onset of the pandemic, Dressember has raised funds and channeled them into a COVID-19 Relief Grant to aid our programmatic partners during this challenging time. Love 146, an international human rights organization dedicated to seeing the end of child trafficking and exploitation, was one Dressember Network member that received emergency assistance during this crisis. Reporting “increased joblessness, poverty, hunger, and crime” as a result of the pandemic, Love 146 used funds from Dressember to house additional children and staff in the Philippines and ensured they remained well-fed and COVID-free. While many programs have suffered as a result of the pandemic, Love 146’s Philippines Survivor Care Program continued to operate smoothly using funds provided by COVID-19 Dressember’s Relief Grant.
A scholar in Love 146’s program works on an activity sheet.
Another Dressember partner, Restore NYC, an organization working to end sex trafficking in New York and empower survivors via education, further illustrates how their ability to aid survivors in their rehabilitation as part of the protection element of Dressember’s mission was impacted by COVID-19. Restore NYC reported that 10% of their staff tested positive for COVID-19, their clients reported a drastic decline in mental health, and 80% of survivors lost their jobs during shutdowns as a result of the pandemic leading to food insecurity and inability to pay rent. These major consequences of the pandemic were traumatizing and potentially life-threatening; the need for Dressember’s COVID-19 Relief Fund was abundantly clear. The campaign ensured the basic needs of every client were met as cash assistance was provided to those in need.
While COVID-19 has been exceedingly challenging and dangerous for victims and survivors of human trafficking on an international scale, Dressember’s COVID-19 Relief Campaign helped maintain the protection of survivors across the globe demonstrating that our movement makes an impact. To help Dressember continue to provide this much-needed support to Dressember Network programs impacted by COVID, consider donating or becoming a Dressember advocate this year!
About the Author
Layla Nath is in her sophomore year at American University where she studies political science and journalism! Due to her love of advocacy and academia, she is involved in her college community as a teaching and research assistant. Her desire to help others through writing and research, alongside her passion for sustainable fashion and social justice has led her to this team as an Editorial Intern!