Climate Change Deepens Human Trafficking Crisis in Sierra Leone

 

Zainab is a survivor of human trafficking from Sierra Leone who played a vital role in operations conducted by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit to expose and apprehend human traffickers in the country. She provided crucial assistance to law enforcement in their efforts to bring the criminals responsible to justice.

Sierra Leone faces severe challenges with human trafficking, as many individuals, especially youth and women, fall prey to deception by promises of better jobs abroad. However, upon arrival at their destination, victims find their passports confiscated and themselves subjected to situations of forced labor and sexual abuse without pay.

The nation’s vulnerability to climate change impacts like rising sea levels, flooding events and worsening natural disasters, despite minimal contribution to global emissions, has exacerbated the human trafficking problem. People are often forced to relocate from their homes destroyed by these climate hazards in search of safer opportunities, making them targets for traffickers’ false promises.

Displaced individuals seeking refuge after climate disasters like floods and mudslides have increasingly become victims of trafficking, as organizations have reported a serious uptick in such cases following home destruction. The frequency of flash floods in particular has resulted in immense loss of life and property, fueling further displacements directly into the hands of traffickers.

Sierra Leone is facing profound challenges from both climate change and human trafficking simultaneously. Urgent coordinated action is needed to strengthen laws, support law enforcement efforts, raise awareness, and aid survivors through focused support — in order to curb the cycle of exploitation and build a safer future for all citizens.