As if COVID-19 has not created enough challenges, reports reveal that child trafficking and child pornography have increased significantly during the pandemic. 72% of human trafficking victims are women and children, and they are often forced to work on the streets as a way to help bring income home to their families. As a result of COVID-19’s economic impact, many U.S shelters that previously housed trafficking victims are shutting down due to “lack of financial support.” In equally worrying news, the demand for child pornography has increased by up to 30% in some EU member states. 

Developed Countries

Child trafficking is not exclusive to developing countries; it remains widespread in developed countries as well. In the U.S. and the U.K., many women are subjected to “sextortion” by their landlords, and 13% of the United States’ fair housing organziations have seen an increase in sexual harassment reports during the pandemic. Europol, the EU’s law enforcement agency, has also reported that online predators are working to engage with children while they remain isolated at home as their parents work. In Italy, the first six months of 2020 saw an estimated “1,000 new victims of child trafficking and exploitation.”

Developing Countries

Many children in developing countries have taken to the streets to help bring their families a form of income. In the Middle East, exploiters withhold the documentation of victims, preventing them from returning home. In Nigeria, some who were able to flee the brothel they were held at have been prevented from going home due to border restrictions from COVID-19. Ultimately, developing countries are especially vulnerable to child trafficking due to the severe economic instability caused by the pandemic. Thousands of families are finding themselves without a steady job or source of income, leading other members of the family to turn to desperate measures to bring food home. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact every aspect of life, the risks of child trafficking and exploitation grow significantly. Vulnerable groups have become even more exposed and easily fall victim to trafficking rings. Additionally, COVID-19 restrictions at borders have prevented many survivors from returning home. The issue has increased in prominence all over the world as every continent records an increase in exploitation. In response, multiple organizations such as Save our Children, and Polaris continue their work to expose trafficking rings and bring victims home to their families.