Human Trafficking and Climate Mobility: Key Takeaways from COP29

At COP29, the multi-partner side event on Human Trafficking in the Context of Climate Mobility—hosted at the IOM Pavilion—brought together experts to discuss the urgent intersection of climate change, migration, and human trafficking. Here are the key insights:

1️⃣ Climate Change Increases Vulnerabilities

Climate change exacerbates poverty, livelihood loss, and forced migration, significantly heightening risks of human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation. Both sudden- and slow-onset climate-related disasters reduce self-sufficiency and increase food and water insecurity, escalating high-risk migration and creating opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable populations.

2️⃣ Data and Research Are Critical for Evidence-Based Solutions

Initiatives like Alliance 8.7 and ICAT are advancing research on how climate change impacts human mobility and trafficking, with a focus on children and crisis-prone regions. Evidence-based solutions are vital.

3️⃣ Fair and Ethical Recruitment is Essential

High-risk sectors such as agriculture and construction—heavily affected by climate change—are especially vulnerable to exploitation. Ensuring fair recruitment practices and decent work is key to preventing trafficking.

4️⃣ Support Early Actions

By fostering safe, orderly migration pathways, strengthening social protections, and diversifying livelihoods, we can build resilience, reduce vulnerabilities, and safeguard those at risk.

5️⃣ Prioritize Human Rights in Climate Action

Protecting the rights of those affected by climate-induced displacement and migration must be central to global climate and migration policies.

For more resources on the intersection of climate change, migration, and protection, explore our latest newsletter, which features tools, manuals, and publications that delve deeper into these critical issues. Additionally, the IOM Environmental Migration Portal offers a wealth of information to support policymakers and practitioners in addressing the challenges of climate mobility and protection effectively.

By fostering collaboration, prioritizing human rights, and committing to evidence-based action, we can tackle the urgent intersection of climate change, migration, and human trafficking. This multi-dimensional approach is critical to building a future where no one is exploited or left behind.