Many Bangladeshi migrants fleeing climate change face forced labor, according to research by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
People in Bangladesh, especially in vulnerable areas, are increasingly affected by climate events like cyclones and floods. These disasters often leave them without homes or means to survive, pushing them to migrate for work. Sadly, this migration can lead to exploitation and abuse, creating a cycle of vulnerability.
Ritu Bharadwaj, a principal researcher at IIED, emphasized that the issue of modern slavery isn’t solely caused by climate change itself but is a consequence of insufficient action and support. Without strong infrastructure and social safety nets, those affected by climate impacts are left with little choice but to leave their homes in desperate circumstances, making them easy targets for exploitative work situations.
Bangladesh is highly susceptible to climate change. Research shows that the number of extreme weather events has nearly doubled since the 1990s, which displaces families and diminishes their capacity to earn a living. Many households, with limited income and support, are forced to sell their possessions and relocate just to keep their families afloat.
In a study conducted in the Sylhet and Pirojpur districts, IIED found that 70% of families had at least one member migrate for work. Of those who moved within Bangladesh, 92% experienced at least one form of forced labor, such as withheld wages or physical violence. For those who sought work overseas, nearly all reported facing some form of modern slavery, with a significant number experiencing severe abuses.
This situation is particularly dire for those who migrate overseas, often at great personal cost, hoping for better opportunities but instead finding themselves trapped in a system of exploitation. Bharadwaj described it as a gamble, highlighting the harsh reality many face when they have nowhere to return home to in Bangladesh.
The ongoing migration crisis in Bangladesh is worsening due to rising sea levels and harsh climate effects, compelling more families to abandon their homes. Each year, many from vulnerable, low-lying regions move to cities like Dhaka for a chance at survival. In the past decade, millions have been displaced within the country due to climate disasters.
By 2050, the World Bank estimates that up to 19.9 million people could be internally displaced in Bangladesh because of climate change, with most recent migrants being influenced by the increased severity of climate-related events. This trend demonstrates that migration driven by climate issues is relatively recent, accelerating mainly within the last 15 years.
When migration happens under duress, the risk of exploitation rises significantly. Chiara Soletti from Anti-Slavery International pointed out that a lack of global support systems and safe migration pathways contributes to this crisis. She argued that modern slavery must be recognized as a serious consequence of climate change’s effects on human rights.
To combat these issues, IIED proposed increasing social protection measures in Bangladesh to support individuals before, during, and after migration. This could include developing climate-resilient infrastructure, creating job skills programs, and offering financial aid ahead of upcoming disasters.
For those who do migrate, establishing safer routes and regulating recruitment practices is crucial. Informing migrants of their rights and providing resources can help protect them from exploitation. Experts believe that international climate funding could play a pivotal role in enhancing social protection systems to better address the realities of migration in Bangladesh.
It’s essential for the government to gain a clearer understanding of community needs amid these challenges. Gathering accurate data on displacement and migration will be key to formulating effective support strategies.
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Source linkBangladesh,climate migration,forced labour,Migration
