Bangladesh launches project to combat cyber-enabled human trafficking
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the finance ministry signed an agreement to implement the project.
Highlights:
- Bangladesh launches 24-month anti-trafficking project
- Project targets to combat cyber-enabled trafficking
- Focus on evidence, enforcement and digital literacy
- IOM, ERD sign agreement with home ministry
Bangladesh has launched a 24-month project to strengthen efforts to prevent and respond to human trafficking facilitated through digital technologies, as traffickers increasingly use social media, online platforms and job portals to target and exploit victims.
The project, titled "Countering Cyber-Enabled Human Trafficking Through Technology," will focus on three areas: building evidence and knowledge on cyber-enabled trafficking, strengthening law enforcement capacity, and improving digital literacy in communities.
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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the finance ministry signed an agreement to implement the project. Funded by the IOM Development Fund, it will be implemented by IOM Bangladesh in partnership with the home ministry.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of digital platforms by traffickers to identify, recruit, control and exploit people, particularly those seeking employment.
ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky and IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Laura Tomm Bonde signed the agreement in the presence of AKM Sohel, additional secretary and wing chief of the UN Wing at ERD, and representatives of relevant government agencies, including the home ministry and IOM.
"Technology is transforming the way people communicate, seek employment and connect with opportunities, but it can also be exploited by traffickers," said Laura Tomm Bonde.
Shahriar Kader said the project would support the government's efforts to prevent the misuse of technology for human trafficking while promoting technology as a tool to counter trafficking.
"Its overall outcome is to enable government stakeholders and communities to take informed action to prevent, respond to and mitigate the risks of cyber-enabled human trafficking," he said.
The project's findings and training resources are expected to contribute to future policy development and strengthen existing national and inter-agency efforts to combat human trafficking.
