These case studies demonstrate how workers in the forestry and related sectors may experience modern slavery and how deforestation can increase vulnerability to human trafficking. They focus on two provinces in Mozambique, Tete and Niassa, affected by deforestation as a result of illegal logging and construction respectively. Deforestation worsens climate change events and their negative effects on local communities. These communities are then driven to work in extractive and exploitative industries or to migrate in search of alternative livelihoods. Further exploration is needed of the mechanisms through which environmental degradation exacerbates poverty and, therefore, vulnerability to modern slavery in the logging industry. The report also recognises the link between consumer demand and deforestation and its negative impacts.
Mozambique
Mozambique has been hit by cyclones, causing flooding, loss and damage, and displacement. Illicit logging also contributes to displacement.
Climate impacts and environmental destruction due to extractive activities exacerbate already high food insecurity, leading to increased financial borrowing and migration in search of work.
With few other options, people often end up working in environmentally harmful industries like logging and construction, where there is a high risk of debt bondage and forced labour, including forced labour of children.
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These case studies demonstrate how workers in the forestry and related sectors may experience modern slavery and how deforestation can increase vulnerability to human trafficking. They focus on two provinces in Mozambique, Tete and Niassa, affected by deforestation as a result of illegal logging and construction respectively. Deforestation worsens climate change events and their negative effects on local communities. These communities are then driven to work in extractive and exploitative industries or to migrate in search of alternative livelihoods. Further exploration is needed of the mechanisms through which environmental degradation exacerbates poverty and, therefore, vulnerability to modern slavery in the logging industry. The report also recognises the link between consumer demand and deforestation and its negative impacts.