UN Agencies Warn of Rising Human Trafficking Risks in Afghanistan

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Organization for Migration issued a joint statement on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons warning that overlapping crises have sharply increased vulnerability to human trafficking in Afghanistan.

The agencies cited mass forced returns from neighboring countries, economic collapse, the decline of the opium economy, reduced humanitarian aid, natural disasters, and restrictions on women's rights as key factors driving the risks. Returnees, women, children, and internally displaced persons were identified as particularly exposed to forced labor, debt bondage, sexual exploitation, and other abuses.

Assessments showed that only 11 percent of surveyed returnees are fully employed or own a business, while 56 percent of returnee families cannot meet basic needs and nearly half rely on debt. The organizations called for stronger prevention measures, improved victim identification and support, expanded sustainable livelihoods, and enhanced regional cooperation to address the vulnerabilities.