• Version
• Download 8
• File Size 199.59 KB
• File Count 1
• Create Date December 1, 2020
• Last Updated January 20, 2022

Organized Crime of Human Trafficking and COVID: Policy Response

Abstract:

Human trafficking (HT) also weakens economies and threatens global security. Forced labor affects 25 million people and produces an estimated $150 billion annually, making it one of the world’s most profitable crimes (Bigio, 2020). This practice bankrolls criminal organizations. As countries scramble to mitigate the extensive harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders should ensure the most vulnerable in their societies do not continue to fall prey to exploitation due to HT. With reference to Nigerian, for example, the Fuller Project’s Shola Lawal and Corinne Redfern of Ivory Coast reported on a group of Nigerian women who fled the brothel where they were held captive and are now trapped in a shelter, as Nigeria’s travel restrictions prevent their return home.

Author:

1. Nkechi Lilian Iwuoha, Ph.D - Department of Criminal Justice, University of St. Joseph Whiting Indiana, U.S.A