Modern slavery is the coercive exploitation of the most vulnerable. Modern slavery of children in humanitarian settings can include: forced and bonded labour, human trafficking, descent-based slavery, slavery in supply chains, exploitation of migrant workers, forced and early marriage and the worst forms of child labour. There is an increasing recognition that the socio-economic conditions associated with conflict, political crisis and natural disasters create situations where children are more vulnerable to exploitation. With little awareness and guidance from their immediate caregivers, a weakening of the protective environment and worsening economic conditions, the risk factors for children increase.
Responding to this, Plan International has identified significant gaps in the data about how many and in which ways children in humanitarian settings are affected by modern slavery, as well as limited information and analysis on how gender plays a role in affecting girls and boys.
As a result of these gaps and limited documentation within this field of protection, Plan International is taking steps to better understand which prevention and response interventions are most effective to reach and address the needs of these children. This presentation will focus on the tentative findings of a global desk review related to modern slavery in humanitarian contexts.
Huda Ghalegolabi works as a Child Protection Programme Specialist in Emergencies for Plan International UK. She has previously worked as a Protection Associate for UNHCR in Somalia and Malaysia. In Malaysia, she focused on addressing the protection needs of trafficked children and other complex cases and worked towards addressing the alternative shelter needs of unaccompanied and separated children. She has also worked as a Programme Officer for UNRWA in the Gaza Strip. Her background is Public International law and International relations.
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To view a 2-page brief introducing this desk review, click here.
Proteknôn is derived from two Greek words: "in front of" and "child". As our name implies, we are senior child protection researchers and practitioners, focused on what children are facing, especially as it relates to their care, protection and wellbeing. In order to do this, we are committed to learning from and with girls and boys, of all ages, backgrounds and capacities.
For more information: www.proteknon.org
