Impact of livelihood recovery initiatives on reducing vulnerability to human trafficking and illegal recruitment: Lessons from Typhoon Haiyan

Efforts to combat human trafficking in Haiyan-affected communities should continue promoting and increasing access to livelihood income-generating opportunities, with a view to ensuring economic independence of potential victims and improving the economic situation for vulnerable segments of the population.

Victims of human trafficking need greater access to skills training, certification, job counseling and other livelihood measures specifically targeted to their needs and interests. Another key component to addressing human trafficking and illegal recruitment is the protection of human rights. Criminal justice officials should be provided the technical skills to identify, investigate, prosecute and adjudicate trafficking cases. This dual focus on improving access to sustainable livelihoods and protection, including improving access to shelters, raising awareness and access to social and legal services, is critical to strengthening survivors’ self-reliance, increasing access to sustainable livelihoods and reducing the risks of trafficking and re-trafficking.