Addressing child trafficking in Bangladesh

As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, the trend in human trafficking continues to worsen. The damage to systems for assistance and identification of trafficking victims becomes increasingly apparent. Referral mechanisms, which are essential for identification of victims and their access to rights, are impacted. In Bangladesh, Counter Trafficking Committees (CTCs) are used to identify victims at the grassroots level and assist with reporting and referral to social and legal services. However, ongoing COVID-19 restrictions limit the opportunities to meet and support victims face to face. CTCs do not have offices, computers, IT systems, or online skills to help victims online. As a result, the victims of trafficking remain unidentified and do not have access to the assistance they need.

This programme creates community awareness among girls, boys, and young women on COVID-19 induced trafficking risks. It mobilises communities to report trafficking cases using the digital tools developed by the programme. The programme also builds the capacity of counter trafficking committees to assist victims in reporting cases using online mechanisms with a trauma informed and victim centric approach. The programme encourages victims to report cases and seek all kinds of services including psychosocial counselling from government and NGO service providers.