At the close of 2014, 59.5 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide “as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations,” according to a June 2015 UNHCR report. This number, which includes refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons, represents the highest annual increase on record—8.3 million people more than in 2013. Indeed, there are now more displaced persons globally than ever before. In 2014, displaced Syrians and Eritreans comprised the two largest groups of migrants seeking passage across the Mediterranean Sea—what IOM reports has become the most dangerous border crossing in the world. Media reports have also extensively covered the abuses Rohingya, other Burmese, and Bangladeshi migrants endure in camps in Thailand and Malaysia as well as on vessels in the surrounding bodies of water.

While movement is not a required element of human trafficking, migrants and internally displaced persons fleeing situations of conflict, abuse, and crisis are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking—whether at home, in transit, or upon reaching their destination.

As people seek safe harbor, stability, and economic opportunity, they may lack legal status, be socially marginalized, and be unaware of local languages or laws. Thus, these individuals are more vulnerable to exploitation by smugglers, unscrupulous recruiters, and corrupt border officials on whom they must rely. Such intermediaries may take advantage of stark conditions by exploiting migrants and corrupting the migration and recruitment process or even directly subject these vulnerable populations to forced labor or sex trafficking.

Key to detecting, preventing, and punishing such exploitation are collaborative efforts on the part of governments. Improving conditions in countries of origin and addressing push factors leading to migration will serve to stem the tide of those risking their lives in pursuit of safe harbor, stability, and opportunity. If they become trafficking victims, these individuals require appropriate assistance and access to justice. It is paramount governments work together and with international organizations to screen new arrivals for indicators of human trafficking, provide protection and appropriate services, and dismantle migrant smuggling networks and trafficking rings that entice and abuse vulnerable populations. All people on the move—whether refugees and asylees seeking safety, or economic migrants seeking improved livelihoods—have a right to freedom from exploitation and abuse of all kinds, including human trafficking.

We will further increase our efforts to monitor global conflicts and crises to assess the vulnerabilities of displaced persons. We will continue to encourage international efforts to prevent human trafficking among affected populations, screen for trafficking victims, and provide access to appropriate care and assistance. We will also continue to support the expansion of governmental capacity to address trafficking in persons crimes and hold perpetrators criminally responsible.

THE STAFF OF THE OFFICE TO MONITOR AND COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS IS:
 

Special thanks to Lamya Shawki El-Shacke and the graphic services team at Global Publishing Solutions.