Project

Combating Human Trafficking in Bangladesh

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Project

Combating Human Trafficking in Bangladesh

The United Nations reports that there has been a steady increase in the number of global trafficking cases since 2010. From 2015 to 2018, Relief International implemented an anti-human trafficking program in ten high-risk neighborhoods in Bangladesh.

Asia remains one of the leading regions for trafficking in persons cases. However, significant gaps about the severity of the problem remain, as many countries in South Asia still lack the sufficient capacity to record and share data.

From 2015 to 2018, Relief International implemented an anti-human trafficking program in ten high-risk neighborhoods in Bangladesh. While there is limited data on trafficking cases detected in Bangladesh, it appears that forced labor are among the main reasons for trafficking. A significant percentage of this group is comprised of male migrant workers who were trafficked after receiving false job offers in the Middle East. While the Bangladeshi government continues to promote safe migration, the majority of migrants usually embark on unsafe journeys, namely through ‘dalas’ or local guides, for going overseas. Bangaldeshi migrant workers –both men and women –are often subjected to trafficking, forced labor, exploitation, prostitution, and abuse en route to their destination. In recent years, the incidence of trafficking has increased significantly in Bangladesh. The emergence of new transit points such as Cox’s Bazar, which has been overwhelmed by an influx of a million refugees fleeing violence in neighboring Myanmar, has stymied the ability of police to conduct routine law enforcement and promote anti-trafficking measures.

Relief International partnered with local Bangladeshi civil society organizations as well as public agencies to deliver training on safe migration to raise awareness about the perils of human trafficking. Our program also worked to bolster the capacity of Bangladeshi NGOs and members of the local communities to prevent trafficking and connect victims to protection services in their area. With legal assistance provided by Relief International, a number of victims of trafficking filed cases against their perpetrators and recruitment agencies. Trafficking survivors also received cash assistance to help them reintegrate and rebuild their lives.

Project Profile

Location

BANGLADESH — Cox's Bazar, Jessore, Satkhira, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Sirajgonj, Pabna, Joypurhat, Dinjajpur, Rangpur districts

People Reached

30,290

Status

past

Sector

Protection