July 29, 2023

Fight Pakistan's human trafficking problem; foster opportunities for youth at home

topic:	Refugees and Asylum
located:	Pakistan
editor:	Shadi Khan Saif

Human trafficking has evolved into a heinous global phenomenon. In some of the world's most impoverished nations, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, traffickers prioritise financial gain, preying on the vulnerabilities of the most marginalised individuals. They transport vulnerable humans, disregarding their safety and well-being while deceiving them with promises of a better life at their final destination.

Just recently, the tragic sinking of a migrant boat off the coast of Greece claimed hundreds of lives, mostly Pakistani, and made headlines for a short time. Pakistani law enforcement nabbed the alleged perpetrators in a matter of days, but people desperate for a better life continue to risk their lives to flee the country, and opportunistic traffickers continue to exploit them. It is a black economy worth billions. 

The root cause of this crisis originates in trafficked peoples' home countries, where prospects for life are grim, making them more likely to be lured to the West regardless of how perilous the journey may be. Without addressing the root cause, we will see more tragedy on the shores of the European countries, land borders or the thousands of miles long routes connecting the populous, less economically developed countries with the West.

Massive crowds of young men are the usual scenes at most regional passport offices in all small towns and cities across Pakistan, and even more hopeful emigrants are undocumented and targeted by traffickers, who have taken their hunt to social media, frequented by millions of youngsters in the country.

Pakistan's bustling youth population is an ideal recipe for economic prosperity, provided its policymakers and the state machinery create an enabling environment to nurture talent. Instead, poor governance and worsening socioeconomic circumstances drive so many of society's finest to flee. And more stringent punishment meant to deter traffickers has only served as leverage for a rise in the cost of travel for the victims. 

Genuine hopes for a promising future at home could do wonders for Pakistani youth by delegitimising human traffickers.    

In next-door Afghanistan, the situation is worse. The Taliban's takeover, the West's sanctions on the country's banking system and international isolation mean the youth are facing a dead end. 

On top of that, climate change impacts have wreaked havoc on Afghanistan's countryside, driving communities out of their homes in search of rescue and the youth heading out to earn a livelihood.

There is hardly anything the world can expect from the Taliban. Still, the international community must play its part in addressing this aspect of the humanitarian crisis while dealing with Afghanistan. Without directly benefiting the Taliban, the world can keep a lifeline alive for the Afghan youth through education, training and jobs via humanitarian agencies.  

Image by Jametlene Reskp.

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