Conflict in Sudan has diminished service providers’ ability to support victims
Internally displaced persons and refugees are at a higher risk of trafficking in Sudan, the new EU Directive expands the Anti-Trafficking Law, and a Global Witness investigation highlights human rights abuses linked to Myanmar's rare earth mining.
A new report by Global Partners Governance examining the impact of conflict on modern slavery and human trafficking in Sudan finds existing vulnerabilities have been severely exacerbated amid an increase in the number of risk factors and a significantly reduced capacity for service providers both within and outside the country to meet the needs of victims.
Since April 2023, when conflict erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, 8.4 million people have been forcibly displaced, internally and in neighboring countries, leading to increased rates of violence, including the use of sexual violence as a weapon and mass killings based on ethnic division. These circumstances have led to heightened vulnerability to various forms of modern slavery and human trafficking, especially among internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, and turbulent conditions in which vulnerable groups lack access to safe shelter. Moreover, Sudan has historically absorbed high numbers of refugees from countries beyond its borders, who are especially vulnerable to exploitation because of historic discrimination, uncertain legal status, and pre-existing marginalization. Women and girls are at risk of sexual exploitation through forced marriages, child marriages, and kidnapping, while men and boys are now more vulnerable to forced conscription and forced labour by armed forces.
Furthermore, Sudan is now the largest child displacement crisis in the world, with 75 percent of IDP children having no access to schooling, leaving them more vulnerable to trafficking by limiting their opportunities, knowledge, and agency, and more exposed to traffickers. The conflict has also damaged food production infrastructures and disturbed supply chains, leading to inflated prices and widespread looting, with the Sudanese population on the brink of famine and more likely to adopt negative coping mechanisms, the report says.
Sudan has long been recognized as an origin, transit, and destination country for trafficking victims and has faced key challenges such as funding and capacity gaps, as well as a lack of incentives at various levels of government and the complicity of some security actors in smuggling and trafficking itself. Now, the conflict has resulted in the complete breakdown of state institutions, including those responsible for upholding law and order. In some more stable states, local government has sought to cover aspects of federal government roles but, overall, capacity to respond to victims, or take action against perpetrators, is significantly reduced. There are no dedicated service providers that can provide the range of services needed to support victims, and the quality of services still offered has been greatly impacted, the authors say. Moreover, stigma prevents victims from seeking support, in particular for those who have experienced sexual violence or exploitation.
Most international non-governmental organizations have now shifted to working remotely, which impacts their reach and ability to support victims, while a number of Sudan-based non-governmental organizations providing broader services have had to rethink their programs to account for the large numbers of victims and the complex needs they present. In the face of these significant gaps, a range of local initiatives has developed, including youth-led initiatives and volunteer-led groups, working in ad hoc and informal ways to help meet the basic needs of local populations. While it is not new for community-led efforts to step in and fill vacuums left by the state, they are under increasing pressure given the growing scale of needs.
Global Partners Governance’s recommendations for strengthening the ability of service providers to more effectively respond, and for governments and international actors to better support these efforts include greater capacity development for the range of providers who are currently “first responders” and support for their community awareness efforts; strengthening of the currently informal victim referral pathways and greater information sharing and coordination between providers who are still operational; and strengthening data collection to build an understanding of the root causes, trends, and impacts of trafficking among vulnerable communities.
Recommendations for donors include prioritizing funding for more specialized anti-trafficking programs; greater adaptability and flexibility with compliance and contracting models in recognition of the ad hoc and informal providers who are now at the frontline of the response; and increased support for coordination efforts to reduce duplication and promote more comprehensive support.
Here’s a round-up of other noteworthy news and initiatives:
Yesterday, the Council of the European Union adopted a directive that adds the exploitation of surrogacy, of forced marriage and of illegal adoption as forms of exploitation covered by the EU’s anti-trafficking law. The UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons expressed concern that the amendment represents a missed opportunity to enhance the rights of victims, including ensuring unconditional assistance, effective access to justice, and granting residence rights to migrant and refugee victims.
Last Friday, EU ministers gave the final sign-off to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), marking its official adoption. This overview by the European Coalition for Corporate Justice (ECCJ) aims to highlight the main provisions of the law, helping individuals understand its scope, content, and intent.
This USCRI Policy and Advocacy Report outlines the ongoing challenges faced by asylum seekers due to the restrictive policies of the U.S. government. Specifically, it addresses the asylum ban implemented by the Biden administration, which undermines the principle of non-refoulement. The report also highlights how these policies increase the risk of human trafficking, as vulnerable individuals are more likely to fall prey to fraudulent actors and exploitative practices while attempting to navigate the complex asylum process.
An investigation by the Washington Post and international media revealed that North African countries are using harsh tactics to deter sub-Saharan migrants from reaching Europe. Evidence shows that migrants, including vulnerable groups, are being abandoned in remote areas. This operation is financially backed by Europe.
An investigation by Global Witness highlights significant human rights abuses and environmental degradation associated with unregulated rare earth mining in Myanmar. This issue is driven by the global demand for green energy technologies. Local communities are experiencing severe health impacts and environmental damage, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar and the absence of effective regulatory oversight.
The Malaysian human resources minister stated that incidents of Bangladeshi workers being misled into coming to Malaysia for non-existent jobs will not affect the country's standing in the upcoming US Trafficking in Persons Report, as these workers were not trafficked but rather victims of quota abuse by employers.
Anti-Trafficking Review seeks submissions that examine how climate change worsens vulnerable employment and trafficking. Specifically, the journal is seeking contributions for a Special Issue on themes such as climate-induced displacement, labor exploitation, and methods for safeguarding workers. The deadline for submissions is December 15, 2024.
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