Informing Action for United Nations SDG Target 8.7 and Interdependent SDGs: Examining Modern Slavery from Space
2021
- Author
- Boyd D S, Perrat B, Li X, Jackson B, Landman T, Ling F, Bales K, Choi-Fitzpatrick A, Goulding J, Marsh S and Foody G M (Springer Nature)
- World region
- South Asia
- Origin of migration
-
India
Bihar, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are identified as poor areas from where many brick kiln workers originate but they are not necessarily migrating to Chennai. - Area of transit
- No data available
- Destination of migration
- Chennai in India
- Who is affected
- Rural workers
- Type of climatic event
-
Slow-onset event
Heat / rising temperatures.
- Type of migration/mobility
-
Internal, Rural to urban
People migrate to brick kilns for work.
- Destination industry or sector
-
Brick kilns
- Type of modern slavery
-
Debt bondage
The report does not focus on modern slavery, but does recognise that bonded labour is prevalent among brick kiln workers.
- Link between climate change, migration and modern slavery
- Indirect
- Key vulnerability factors
-
Climate change, inadequate agriculture policies and economic reforms, among other factors, mean that rural communities can not longer rely on agriculture for subsistence. These factors also reduce the availability of local non-farm work. People are therefore compelled to seek alternative livelihoods elsewhere, increasing their vulnerability to modern slavery. Weak enforcement of legislation also helps create an enabling environment for modern slavery.
- Summary
-
The document focuses on how climate change impacts the health of rural populations and (landless) migrant workers at brick kilns.
- Recommendations
-
The report stresses the importance of localising decision making to reduce vulnerability to debt bondage. It also recognises the importance of adopting a human and environmental rights-centred response to climate change. It advocates for participatory and holistic approaches to development, recognising that modern slavery is the product of systemic problems. The document recognises the crucial role of the government in improving the living and working conditions of rural communities.
