Climate change is increasingly linked to modern slavery in Africa, aggravating existing socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Modern slavery encompasses forced labor, human trafficking, and forced marriages. With millions affected, particularly in countries like Eritrea, Mauritania, and South Sudan, urgent measures are needed to strengthen laws, enhance cooperation, and address root causes to combat this issue effectively.
The adverse effects of climate change, including extreme weather, are increasingly visible in societies across the globe, particularly in Africa, where they are contributing to modern slavery. Legal scholar Daniel Ogunniyi explores the nexus between these two pressing issues, emphasizing how climate change exacerbates socioeconomic vulnerabilities, thus creating conditions for the rise in forced labor and exploitation.
Modern slavery, while lacking a precise legal definition, encompasses practices such as forced labor, human trafficking, servitude, and forced marriages. It thrives on control, exploitation, and involuntary action. Particularly in Africa, forms of modern slavery such as descent-based slavery persist, with millions still affected. The International Labour Organisation indicates approximately 50 million individuals globally are victims, with Africa accounting for around 7 million, particularly in countries like Eritrea, Mauritania, and South Sudan.
Research suggests that about 3.8 million people engage in forced labor in Africa, primarily in agriculture, fishing, mining, and domestic sectors. Additionally, around 3.2 million individuals are trapped in forced marriages. Human traffickers often exploit economic vulnerabilities, leading victims into perilous labor and sexual exploitation, thereby reinforcing the cycle of modern slavery.
Historical factors such as poverty, armed conflict, and political instability have driven slavery, but climate change is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor. The intensity of climate-related events exacerbates existing societal inequalities and vulnerabilities, making already disadvantaged communities more susceptible to exploitation.
Communities hit hardest by climate change face loss of livelihoods, displacement, and increased vulnerability to modern slavery. Groups like Boko Haram and al Shabaab exploit these conditions, utilizing victims for labor and sexual slavery. Families may resort to marrying off children to alleviate economic pressure, perpetuating cycles of forced marriage and exploitation.
In Ghana, children sold to labor agents for exploitation have become a distressing reality, particularly following droughts that disrupt livelihoods. Many women and girls migrate to southern regions for better opportunities, yet find themselves in exploitative roles as porters, or “kayayie,” under horrific conditions.
To combat modern slavery in Africa, governments must implement stringent laws compliant with international standards, such as the ILO Forced Labour Convention and the Palermo Protocol. Collaboration at both regional and international levels is vital, ensuring knowledge exchange and cohesive strategies against trafficking.
Modern slavery in Africa is an urgent issue exacerbated by climate change, which deepens existing inequalities and vulnerabilities. Immediate action involves adopting strong legal frameworks, fostering regional and international cooperation, enhancing awareness and education, and integrating anti-slavery measures into climate policies. Addressing root causes such as poverty will also be essential in reducing exploitation risks. Moreover, companies in the renewable energy sector must be held accountable to prevent unintended instances of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains.
Original Source: theconversation.com
