The joint submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, was compiled by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition and Homes of Hope Fiji. It recognises that the effects of climate change increase the risk of modern slavery in small island developing states, where modern slavery is already prevalent and the effects of climate change are particularly acute. The effects of climate change and the consequent displacement amplify vulnerability to modern slavery, with women and girls particularly at risk.
Fiji
Fiji faces drastically rising sea levels and coastal erosion, which displace communities. Cyclones hit Fiji in 2020 and 2021, resulting in loss and damage and further displacement.
The effects of climate change have also increased overall levels of poverty and inequality. This situation increases people’s vulnerability, women and girls are particularly at risk due to violence, discrimination and unequal access to education. They face being trafficked for forced sexual exploitation or forced labour.
Fiji has passed a Climate Change Act to support communities vulnerable to climate change and has launched a National Anti-Trafficking Strategy.