Disasters like floods, earthquakes, typhoons spawn human trafficking -- IACAT
Disasters like floods, earthquakes, typhoons, and rising temperatures and sea levels spawn human trafficking, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) said on Monday, April 22.
It cited that last year, the Voice of the Free (VF) Foundation, Inc. revealed the results of its research in the Philippines with Free the Slaves and Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation-Integrated Development Center on the effects of climate change in trafficking in persons (TIP).
“In their study, they focused on the regions of Eastern Visayas and Caraga, which have experienced an increase in both the frequency and severity of environmental hazards, such as heavy rainfall, floods, droughts, rising temperatures, sea level rise, typhoons, earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, and tornadoes,” IACAT said.
Thus, it urged Filipinos "to protect our Mother Earth by advocating for sustainable practices.”
“Every action, big or small, counts towards a healthier and TIP-free planet for future generations,” it stressed.
IACAT's statement on climate change in relation to TIP was issued on the celebration of the International Mother Earth Day on Monday, April 22.