Climate-induced migration and modern slavery. A tool kit for policy-makers (Bangladesh & India)
2021
- Author
- Bharadwaj R, Bishop D, Hazra S, Pufaa E and Annan J K (IIED)
- World region
- South Asia
- Origin of migration
- Sundarbans delta of India and Bangladesh
- Area of transit
- No data available
- Destination of migration
- Dhaka (Bangladesh); Kolkata (India)
- Who is affected
- Children, Men, Women
- Type of climatic event
-
Rapid-onset event, Slow-onset event
Both rapid and slow-onset climate events affect the region. They include rising sea levels, droughts, cyclones and typhoons. These events make it increasingly difficult to survive in this region, putting pressure on people to migrate.
- Type of migration/mobility
-
Cross-border, Immobility, Internal, Rural to rural, Rural to semi-urban, Rural to urban
People are driven to migrate by the negative effects of climate change. Migration across borders is common given that the international border in the Sundarbans region (between India and Bangladesh) is porous. While men migrate, women and children often stay back. On the Indian side, women who migrate typically migrate to semi-urban areas of Kolkata, mostly for domestic work.
- Destination industry or sector
-
Commercial sexual exploitation, Food processing, Manufacturing
- Type of modern slavery
-
Debt bondage, Forced marriage, Human trafficking
Increasingly hostile immigration policies expose people to exploitation by human traffickers. Men, women and children are targeted by human traffickers while still at home. Migrants without access to resources, skills or support networks are also targeted by human traffickers when they reach their destination. Forced marriage is practiced in low-income families, putting children at risk. Children who stay back are at risk of being kidnapped or deceived into forced labour. Both women and children are at particular risk of debt bondage.
- Link between climate change, migration and modern slavery
- No data available
- Key vulnerability factors
-
The loss and damage caused by natural events harms people's resilience and increases poverty. Livelihood opportunities are becoming more and more difficult to find due to climate change-induced land degradation and resource scarcity. This loss of livelihood opportunities reduces incomes and food security. People who migrate often lack resources, educations and skills. Those who stay back are also vulnerable to modern slavery due to having the resources they need to survive and/or growing debt.
- Summary
-
This source, drawing on research on Ghana and the Sundarbans region, shows how the negative effects of climate change force people into unsafe migration and increase their vulnerability to forced marriage, debt-bondage, forced labour and human trafficking. It explains how women and children who stay back are also at risk of modern slavery. Families use harmful traditional practices (such as forced marriage) to cope with the negative effects of climate change. Girls and young women who try to escape can be driven to take unsafe migration routes, increasing their exposure to modern slavery. Access to resources and information is key to improving people's resilient and ability to adapt to climate change.
- Recommendations
-
Recommendations to policy makers and other stakeholders include:
- address modern slavery in development planning and Nationally Determined Contribution strategies as a matter of urgency;
- recognise the link between climate change and migration in policy debates and that the effects of climate change exacerbate modern slavery;
- and include affected communities in decision making to make sure solutions address actual needs.
More research is needed to understand the complex links between climate change, migration and modern slavery.
