Economy
IOM-Harvard Report: Domestic Trafficking Accounts for Over 50% of Child Victims
A comprehensive report conducted jointly by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University (FXB) has shed light on the alarming prevalence of child trafficking within national borders. The findings reveal that over 50% of child trafficking victims fall victim to exploitation within their own countries.
The study also uncovered a distressing trend in international trafficking, with children being predominantly trafficked to neighboring countries with greater economic prosperity. Among the child victims of trafficking, nearly half were subjected to forced labor, primarily affecting boys. These children were found to be employed in various sectors, including domestic work, begging, and agriculture. Additionally, the report highlighted the prominent issue of sexual exploitation, with approximately 20% of trafficked children, predominantly girls, being subjected to prostitution, pornography, and sexual servitude.
Entitled ‘From Evidence to Action: Twenty Years of IOM Child Trafficking Data to Inform Policy and Programming,’ the report revealed that child victims trafficked for sexual exploitation were often transported across international borders, while those trafficked for forced labor were more likely to be exploited within their home countries. Disturbingly, more than half of the child victims had family and friends involved in their recruitment, emphasizing the significant role played by trusted individuals in facilitating trafficking.
Irina Todorova, Head of the IOM’s Core Protection Unit, emphasized the multifaceted and evolving nature of child trafficking, stating, “The report shows that child trafficking is a truly global phenomenon, spreading and evolving across borders without regard to age, gender, or nationality.”
Further analysis of the report revealed that boys faced a higher risk of being trafficked compared to girls, with a significantly lower likelihood of being trafficked internationally. Victims with limited or no education were found to be over 20 times more susceptible to trafficking compared to those who had completed high school. Moreover, children from low-income countries were five times more likely to be trafficked as minors compared to victims from high-income countries.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust policies and targeted interventions to combat child trafficking, protect vulnerable children, and dismantle the networks that perpetuate this global menace.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
