United Nations warns of increased risks for trafficking victims due to pandemic

United Nations has warned the rise in risks to human trafficking victims as the chaos due to the pandemic will make the people prone to exploitation. UN's Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) issued this warning on Wednesday.

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According to the latest UNODC analysis, some of the trafficking victims are stuck and are unable to go home due to sealed borders. These victims also risk catching the virus. Some of them are facing delays in legal proceedings, further abuse or neglect by the captors. 

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More children are being forced on streets as schools have shut their provision of shelter and nourishment, forcing them onto streets to find food and income. 

UNODC also issued a warning against traffickers saying that they “may become more active and prey on people who are even more vulnerable than before because they have lost their source of income due to measures to control the virus.”

“With COVID-19 restricting movement, diverting law enforcement resources, and reducing social and public services, human trafficking victims have even less chance of escape and finding help,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly.

Waly has urged countries to provide shelters and open hotlines and enable anti-trafficking units to continue doing their operations. 

Coronavirus chaos has led to a steep rise in gender-based domestic violence, Waly said.