Evidence on the intersection of climate change, migration and vulnerability to modern slavery
In the Pacific Islands Countries, climate change is causing more intense storms, altering floods, and harming ecosystems. Rising seas and warmer temperatures affect agriculture and threaten freshwater. These changes make people more vulnerable to modern slavery, especially with debt, low education, and reduced income. Weak oversight worsens the issue, affecting women, children, and marginalized groups.
Focusing on Pacific Island Countries, the report finds that climate-induced displacement increases vulnerability to modern slavery. Host communities at destination become more vulnerable when there is competition over limited resources, which can spark conflict. Vulnerability to modern slavery also has a gendered dimension.
View detail about Murky Waters. A Qualitative Assessment of Modern Slavery in the Pacific Region
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.