UN warns crises in Afghanistan increase human trafficking risks — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have warned that ongoing crises in Afghanistan are increasing people’s vulnerability to human trafficking and exploitation. In a joint statement issued on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the two organisations stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent trafficking, identify and assist victims and survivors and strengthen responses against individuals and networks that organise and profit from exploitation. The statement said multiple crises in Afghanistan, including the large-scale forced return of Afghans from neighbouring countries, the decline of the rural opium-based economy, sharp reductions in humanitarian assistance, natural disasters and continued restrictions on the rights of women and girls, have increased the risk of human trafficking and exploitation. It said recent findings from the Returnee Resilience Overview showed that only 11 percent of surveyed returnees were fully employed or owned a business, while 56 percent of returnee households reported being unable to meet their basic expenses. “Nearly half relied on loans or donations to survive,” the statement said, adding that such economic pressures could push people toward negative coping mechanisms and increase their vulnerability to trafficking, exploitative labour arrangements, debt bondage and other forms of exploitation. The organisations said victims continue to be forced into unsafe work, forced labour, sexual…