UN Agencies Warn of Rising Human Trafficking in Afghanistan Amid Economic Crisis
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, have warned that the current situation in Afghanistan is exposing increasing numbers of citizens to human trafficking and various forms of exploitation.
The two agencies stated that the return of over six million Afghan citizens, widespread economic problems, reduced job opportunities, the recession of a poppy-dependent rural economy, and severe restrictions on women’s rights are among the factors enabling human trafficking networks to exploit vulnerable populations. They believe these factors have significantly increased the level of social vulnerability.
The released report notes that vulnerable individuals are often deceived with false promises of work, income, or a better life, then exploited by trafficking networks for transportation, detention, and forced labor. These networks take advantage of the economic and social hardships to expand their operations.
The IOM and UNODC have emphasized that the timely identification of victims and the provision of support services should be a priority. They also see raising public awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and close cooperation among responsible agencies, international organizations, civil society, and local communities as essential to curb this phenomenon.
According to these agencies, effectively combating human trafficking goes beyond legal prosecution of perpetrators; it requires reducing vulnerability factors, creating economic opportunities, and targeted support for at-risk groups—issues that have become among the most serious social challenges in Afghanistan’s current conditions.
