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Surviving the Arctic Struggles: Poverty in Greenland

Poverty in GreenlandGreenland, the world’s largest island, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and extreme climate, but beneath its icy beauty lies a pressing issue – poverty. Despite being part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland faces economic hardship that disproportionately affects Indigenous communities.

Causes of Poverty

  1. Economic Dependence and Limited Industry. Greenland’s economy is heavily reliant on the fishing industry, which accounts for more than 90% of its exports. This makes the economy highly vulnerable to market fluctuations and limits job opportunities. The Danish government provides substantial financial support, with an annual block grant of about $585 million, making up more than 50% of government revenues and about 20% of Greenland’s gross domestic product (GDP).
  2. Geographical Isolation and High Cost of Living. While Greenland is a stunning country, its isolation in the far North makes it susceptible to high import costs for goods and services, driving up the cost of living. Necessities such as food and fuel are significantly more expensive than in mainland Denmark. For example, a family of four has estimated monthly expenses of about $5,726 without rent. These high costs make daily life unaffordable for many residents, contributing to growing economic stress and inequality.
  3. Social Challenges and Vulnerable Populations. Social issues such as alcoholism and mental health problems are deeply intertwined with poverty. The Indigenous Inuit communities are disproportionately affected, with high rates of substance abuse exacerbating economic hardship. Studies show a dramatic increase in alcohol consumption in Greenland, leading to severe health and social problems. These challenges often contribute to family breakdowns, unemployment, and domestic violence, creating a cycle of vulnerability. Limited access to health care and support services further worsens the situation, leaving many without essential help.

Tackling Poverty in Greenland

The Danish government’s financial support helps maintain Greenland’s public services, including health care and education. However, there is a growing movement to strengthen Greenland’s economy beyond this aid by investing in local industries such as mining and tourism.

Similarly, other organizations strive to help alleviate poverty, such as The Greenland Social Foundation, which provides food, shelter and educational programs to struggling families. The Red Cross Greenland also plays a crucial role in providing social welfare programs and mental health support.

Furthermore, institutions like Ilisimatusarfik University provide scholarships, with more than $21,000 awarded in April 2024, to help Greenlanders pursue higher education and secure stable employment. Community-driven initiatives are also promoting traditional practices like fishing and craftsmanship to create self-sustaining economic opportunities.

Ultimately, Greenland’s poverty crisis is driven by economic dependency on unstable income, high costs of living and social issues that disproportionately affect Indigenous communities. However, through a combination of government support, local initiatives and education programs, there is hope for a more resilient and self-sufficient future for Greenland’s people.

– Emina Bolic

Emina is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Poverty and Diversifying Production in India

Diversifying Production in IndiaDiversification of production implies a shift from crop farming to nonfarming activities. Diversifying production in India has employed millions of small and marginal farmers. It has helped them navigate sustainable ways of making a livelihood. Nonfarming activities, including but not limited to animal husbandry, fisheries and horticulture farming, have been sustaining farmers in India throughout the years by serving as alternative sources of income.

Animal Husbandry

Animal Husbandry, also known as livestock farming, refers to the rearing of animals for meat, hide, milk and other products. India has one of the largest livestock populations in the world, serving as an alternative source of sustenance for a large number of farmers throughout the country. More than 20 million workers in India are engaged in livestock farming and 87.7% of livestock is owned by “farmers of marginal, small and semi-medium operational holdings.”

Under the Government of India, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying incentivizes subsidies to farmers to set up their own livestock farms and gain more income. Since a large portion of India’s farming population is multidimensionally poor, it is advantageous for them to indulge in livestock farming because livestock can be reared by extremely low-income families as well.

The only risks involved in animal husbandry are the chances of livestock diseases. Though many diseases affecting livestock are curable, the focus of treatment is mostly on larger livestock and smaller livestock is often ignored. However, steps are being taken by the government and other charitable organizations to immunize livestock by employing women to nurse them back to good health without farmers having to incur any extra costs.

Fisheries

Fishing is a large-scale activity in India and employs more than 28 million people nationwide, “especially [those from] marginalized and vulnerable communities.” As of 2024, under the administration of the Department of Fisheries, more than 26,000 fishing facilities, 6,498 replacement boats, 586 cold storages and 720 Fish Farmers Producers Organizations (FFPOs), among others, have been approved by the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

The PMMSY was established in 2020 to regulate the functioning of the fisheries sector in India. The Department of Fisheries has also approved more than 59,000 fisher families to get “livelihood and nutritional support during fishing ban/lean period.” Alongside this, the Department also supports farmers during circumstances of loss of fish stock due to natural calamities.

Horticulture

Approximately 43% of India’s population is employed in the agricultural sector. Horticulture is a type of agriculture that encompasses the farming of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants. The horticulture sector in India “provides alternate rural employment opportunities, diversification in farm activities and enhanced income to farmers.” Transitioning from agriculture to horticulture is, however, a difficult task for farmers because horticulture happens to be labor-intensive and therefore entails more capital requirements.

Government schemes like the Operations Greens help farmers overcome this burden by assuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce, which would thereby “help to a great extent in shielding farmers from external variables.” The focus is placed on increasing farmers’ incomes by guiding the gains of their horticultural produce.

Additional Remarks

In 2018-19, the Government of India extended credit facilities to fish farmers and animal husbandry farmers, enabling them to meet their working capital requirements. Such efforts by the government and other organizations have helped uplift farmers from a bare minimum to a more comfortable flow of income. Diversifying production in India through the three sectors mentioned above significantly contributes to the growth of the Indian economy. It simultaneously serves as an additional means of rural employment.

– Adya Umesh

Adya is based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Protecting the Future: USAID Programs in the Pacific Islands

USAID Programs in the Pacific IslandsThe Pacific Islands are composed of 12 countries, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Samoa, each with its own vibrant culture and environment. However, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, a quarter of Pacific Islanders cannot attain basic needs, especially as natural disasters drastically destroy livelihoods and food security. Nonetheless, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs in the Pacific Islands address development, illegal fishing and adverse weather conditions.

Protecting Biodiversity: OurFish OurFuture

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities and ocean ecosystems. It costs the global economy between $26 and $50 billion annually, harming local and international economies. In the tuna industry in the Pacific Islands, commercially caught Pacific tuna generated $22 billion in 2012 and 2014, while IUU fishing generated $616 million a year. IUU fishing affects more than the economy; it also affects fish populations and oceanic biodiversity, as it accounts for one out of every five fish caught.

The OurFish Our Future program works to combat IUU fishing. It is five years long, spanning from 2021 to 2026 and provides $15 million to address the factors of IUU fishing that degrade coastal biodiversity and impact food stability. This program focuses on the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

The program brings together communities, providing opportunities for all ages and genders to participate in the design and implementation of security programming. Its ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) contributes to policies that will “improve coastal fisheries data systems, improve enforcement capacities and strengthen collaboration of enforcement authorities.”

Fostering Development: Pacific American Fund

As a result of the Pacific Island Countries’ (PICs) geography, they are vulnerable to environmental disasters perpetuated by changing climatic conditions, instability in government and present gender inequities, all while maintaining a critical role in the global economy. PICs are small and isolated, which leaves them prone to tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, droughts and volcanic activity that destroys their buildings and crops. PICs also suffer from unsafe living conditions, including unclean water, pollution and harmful chemicals, which lead to a rate of 70% of deaths related to noncommunicable diseases such as cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.

The Pacific American Fund (PAF) is a “five-year grant facility that addresses critical development challenges.” It supports the countries of the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The PAF aims to “improve the quality of life in vulnerable communities and improve access to services for remote communities in the region” through increased preparation for natural disasters and climate change, economic development and access to health care and education. One of its programs is small-scale construction in the Malita Province to improve and adapt the environment for increased trade and expansion into agribusiness.

Agribusiness in the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands are prone to natural disasters that affect their economy, requiring their communities to seek agribusiness advancements to protect and revive their economy. In October 2023, tropical cyclone Lola caused severe damage, affecting more than 22,000 people and 100 buildings and damaging water sources. Furthermore, many of the crops were destroyed, including breadfruit trees, which are one of the Solomon Islands’ main sources of carbohydrates. This left locals scared of starvation as they relied on their local agriculture for sustenance.

USAID programs in the Pacific Islands include the Solomon Islands Strengthening Competitiveness, Agriculture, Livelihoods and Environment (SCALE) plan. SCALE is a five-year, $25 million project focused on developing the agribusiness sector in the Solomon Islands. Additionally, SCALE Trade and Investment (T&I) “focuses on reducing the cost and steps of obtaining business permits and licenses; strengthening trade and investment facilitation; and improving agribusiness value chain growth.”

SCALE engages community members in its program through its T&I plan. It aims to increase its exports and the role of women in trade. SCALE T&I oversaw the creation of the Advisory Committee for Agribusiness in Malaita Province, which will work with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce. USAID programs in the Pacific Islands, such as SCALE, improve conditions of poverty by providing funding and opportunities for locals to work, innovate and protect against environmental factors.

Impact of USAID Programs in the Pacific Islands

USAID programs in the Pacific Islands strengthen their economic and environmental resilience through advancing policies and funds. Through USAID help, PICs have accessed more than $500 million in climate financing to prepare for adverse climatic conditions and natural disasters. USAID programming supports local development, marine ecosystems and access to affordable energy. Its work in the Pacific Islands will continue through these long-term programs to ensure stability.

One success story from USAID’s programs for Pacific Islanders came through its partnership with Aquaculture Technologies of the Marshall Islands. USAID provided a $1.7 million grant to allow the company to manufacture its own fish feed and to train individuals such as Sonya. Sonya remained in the Solomon Islands after her family moved because she wanted to pursue aquaculture and secure a stable future in her home country.

Sonya now manages the fish hatchery and nursery, inspiring more women to become trained as independent aqua farmers and fish feed manufacturers. The Marshall Islands now produce 400 pounds of moi fish per week, which supplies local businesses and is exported.

– Astrid Burns

Astrid is based in Roseland, NJ, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

The State of Water in the Nile River

Water in the Nile RiverThe Nile, stretching 4,132 miles, is Africa’s longest river, running through 11 countries, including Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Sudan. It is an important water source for millions of people in Africa. Unfortunately, the river is subject to pollution, which poses a significant threat to those living in the countries that depend on it for water. The poor state of water in the Nile River is an issue that threatens the health and well-being of those living near its basin.

The Economic Significance of the Nile River

The Nile River is a vital source of economic activity in many African countries, particularly those in the Nile Basin region. The river supports various economic sectors, including agriculture, fishing, transportation and tourism. Agriculture remains a crucial sector for many African countries, particularly Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia and water in the Nile River serves as a dependable source for irrigation. Farmers are able to cultivate crops year-round and, as a result, agriculture employs a significant percentage of the population.

In Egypt, the agriculture sector provides 28% of jobs and in Sudan, it employs 43% of the population. As of 2020, 75% of employed Ethiopians worked in the agriculture sector. Even though the Nile contains harmful pathogens and pollutants, it provides water and a means of livelihood for more than 200 million people. Inhabitants of the Nile region use the water for drinking, washing and cooking. People also engage in farming in the Nile Basin, growing crops like wheat, corn, banana and sweet potato.

Fishing in the Nile River provides employment for thousands of people. In addition, the industry contributes to the local economy through fish exportation. The river is also a major transportation route in many parts of Africa, and it also supports tourism in some African countries, including Egypt and Uganda.

The Nile River and its Impact on Poverty

Access to clean water in the Nile River remains a significant challenge, with agricultural activities involving pesticides and fertilizers contributing to the pollution problem. These chemicals can enter the river through runoff and irrigation, which can harm aquatic life and affect water quality. Alongside farming activities, the raw sewage and other waste products from industries and manufacturers go directly into the river. The harmful bacteria, viruses and other contaminants in the water can cause cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis, poliovirus and other waterborne disease. In turn, this can result in the endangerment of agricultural productivity and contribute to poverty.

Moreover, in recent years, water scarcity has become an increasing concern in the region. In 2020, Ethan D. Coffee and Justin S. Mankin reported that more than 30% of the people in the region could face water scarcity by 2040. This translates into more than 80 million people who may not be able to access water. This could also limit agricultural and fishing industries while decreasing labor employment.

Minimizing the Nile’s Impact on Poverty

The year 2021 marked a significant milestone in Egypt as the Bahr al-Baqar wastewater treatment plant commenced operations in the northern city of Sinai. Renowned as one of the most expansive wastewater treatment facilities globally, this plant possesses an impressive capacity to treat 5 million cubic meters of wastewater daily—equivalent to the water consumed in 140 million showers.

Aiming to tackle the multifaceted challenges affecting the Nile Basin, Egypt-based social enterprise Bassita launched the VeryNile project in 2018. This initiative focuses on enhancing water management practices. Its primary objective is to reduce poverty and foster economic growth within the Nile River Basin. The VeryNile project progresses in four key directions: cleaning, recycling, prevention and social impact.

Looking Ahead

While the issue of clean water in the Nile River remains unresolved, the ongoing initiatives could help avert more crises. Ultimately, initiatives like the VeryNile project that prioritizes promoting sustainable development practices and empowering local communities to participate in water management processes can potentially bring the tides of progress and lasting change.

– Anna Konovalenko
Photo: Flickr

New Business Opportunities in Micronesia

New Business Opportunities in Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia is a 600-island nation in the Pacific Ocean where 40 percent of the population lived in poverty as of 2014 and 32 out of 1,000 children died before the age of 5 as of 2017. Micronesia is heavily reliant on U.S. aid since the nation’s independence in 1986, but many expect it to end by 2023 as the country struggles with unemployment, over-reliance on fishing and a stagnant local business sector with uncertainty looming. Micronesia’s private sector will need a significant boost when aid from the U.S. comes to an end. Opening new business opportunities in Micronesia, specifically at the local level, is a priority the Pacific island nation needs to capitalize on.

Connecting Micronesia

The rise of the internet has been an important business driver for the private sectors for many nations. Micronesia has been tackling a project to expand the country’s own servers both locally and globally. The Pacific Regional Connectivity Project by the World Bank is a long-term project that will not only connect Micronesia with its neighbors Palau, Nauru and Kiribati via a fiber network, but also allows Micronesia to open and regulate the market to allow the private to build and improve domestic businesses that the current satellite connections would not be able to bring. The building of the lines to improve networking and connections is a pivotal investment to increase the domestic business sector to boost the local economy. Exploiting the internet is an important objective for opening new business opportunities in Micronesia and evolve the local marketplace.

Tourism Sector in Micronesia

Improving the tourism sector is also a priority Micronesia should exploit to bolster its economy. Neighboring countries such as Palau, Nauru and the Northern Marina Islands, a U.S. territory, have strong connections to various Asian countries to allow easier access to their respective areas of interest, which Micronesia also currently relies on if falling short. States within Micronesia have taken steps to rectify the tourism concern, such as when Yap made a controversial deal with the Chinese development company Exhibition & Travel Group in 2011 to develop tourist destinations 1,000 acres across the state. Meanwhile, the Papua New Guinea-based airline Air Niugini established connections to Chuuk and Pohnpei, Micronesia in 2016 and increased flight capacity in 2017.

Fishing Sector in Micronesia

While Micronesia has been improving its tourism sector, it has also made deals with countries outside of the U.S. to bolster its fishing sector which has been in major need of development. Focusing on the regional neighbors has been a major step in that development. As an island nation, fishing is one of Micronesia’s main economic sources, however, there have been concerns about its long-term reliability, and thus, the country’s management of resources has become necessary. Chuuk has size-based policies to control and maintain fish populations during appropriate seasons, balancing the marketplace and keeping fish populations at sustainable levels. Micronesia also began a transparency program in its tuna fishing sector in 2018, a measure to monitor and sustain the tuna population for both local and international marketplaces. Fishing is an important asset for Micronesia; maintaining the population levels of various species including tuna is a priority the country be paying attention to for years to come.

Opening new business opportunities in Micronesia requires the country to branch out from the guiding hand of the U.S. and beseech nearby neighbors to bolster the local economy. Micronesia also expects to sustain its local fish populations to enhance the markets both locally and internationally. While the steps have been small, the Federated States of Micronesia has made the necessary moves in the event that the United States end its aid in 2023.

– Henry Elliott
Photo: Flickr

 

 

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The Issue of Overfishing in Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Overfishing in Saint Pierre and Miquelon

The French islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon are located off the coast of Newfoundland and have a population of about 5,533, according to July 2017 data. It is estimated that about 90 percent of inhabitants live on St. Pierre, while a smaller population lives on Miquelon. The islands focus largely on the fishing industry and have for over a century, but overfishing in Saint Pierre and Miquelon has led to Canada imposing a long-term closure of the industry, causing a negative ripple effect on the economy of the islands.

The overfishing in Saint Pierre and Miquelon started when the United States repealed Prohibition in 1933. The islands’ thriving economy decreased dramatically and forced the laborers to turn back to fishing. Since then, Saint Pierre and Miquelon have constantly been fishing, leading to the overfishing problem.

In addition to the issue of overfishing in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, there has been a decline in the number of ships using the Saint Pierre harbor. This could be due to the weather and the natural environment of the islands. Surrounding the islands are “treacherous currents and fog [that] have contributed to hundreds of shipwrecks off Saint Pierre and Miquelon.”

The four-mile strip of water between Saint Pierre and Miquelon is called “The Mouth of Hell” by the local fisherman because of the strong currents that have contributed to about 600 shipwrecks near the islands. The residents of Saint Pierre and Miquelon have used this to their benefit, as they can add to their earnings from fishing somewhat by salvaging the wreckage.

Dealing with overfishing in Saint Pierre and Miquelon has not been easy for the residents of the islands, but there has been some progress with sustainability and trying to stabilize the island’s economy, as the residents have turned to other kinds of seafood fishing such as crab fishing. They have slowly developed other types of agricultural farming, including vegetables, poultry, cattle, sheep and pigs. The government of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is also working to grow its tourism industry. With the hope of more tourism on the islands, a more sustainable way of fishing and more farming, Saint Pierre and Miquelon’s prospects are looking brighter and more stable.

– Jennifer Lightle

Photo: Flickr

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Thailand’s Fishing Industry Linked to Slavery

Thailand’s Fishing Industry Linked to Slavery
Thailand, one of the two countries down-graded last month on the U.S. human trafficking watch list has failed at protecting the population from being forced into slavery. As officials turn the other cheek, boys and men are trapped in a nightmare, laboring miserably on decrepit fishing vessels for prawns sold to British and American supermarkets.

The U..S Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report (TiP), which evaluates countries based on their success in combating the activities of traffickers in their jurisdiction, down-graded Thailand from Tier 2 to Tier 3, the worst possible rating, focusing the world’s attention on their lack of effort in fighting slavery.

According to an investigation conducted by The Guardian, the extensive role played by Thai authorities, fishermen and traffickers has been uncovered with the imprisonment of thousands of Rohingya in illegal, deadly jungle camps.

The Rohingya are Indo-Aryan peoples from the Rakhine State, Myanmar, who speak the Rohingya language. In recent years, Myanmar has been accused of human rights violations and ethnic cleansing instigated by the ethnic Rakhine Buddhist, victimizing the stateless Muslim Rohingya through looting, arson, evictions and outright cold-blooded murder. For many Rohingya the choice was simple: stay and die, or leave by boat.

The Rohingya attempting to escape the violence have no option but to flee to the seas, seeking passage by boat down the coast of Thailand to relative safety in Malaysia, but in many cases, these refugees were intercepted and sold like animals into slavery on the Thai fishing boats. Often victims were escorted into jungle camps by Thai authorities where they were held in transit.

The Thai fishing industry is a multibillion-dollar business estimated at $7.3 billion a year. The slavery trade hidden behind the frozen shrimp packages on the shelves of Tesco, Walmart, Carrefour and Costco stores is so profitable that many fishermen in Thailand have converted their ships to carry Rohingya migrants instead of fish, increasing profits in some cases by 230%.

According to The Guardian, testimony from survivors, brokers and human rights groups have indicated that hundreds of Rohingya men were sold from a network of jungle slavery camps in southern Thailand. Rohingya migrants actually sold from these camps said operations were conducted in full awareness of government officials, and, in many cases, they were directly involved.

The Guardian reported that the jungle camps were often open-air prisons in which Rohingya captives were held for ransom, their captors demanding money far out of reach of their families. Survivors described being raped and tortured as well as witnessing others beaten to death.

In May 2015, Thai and Malaysian investigators discovered several jungle prisons and mass graves used as holding pens for trafficking operations.

Thailand is facing unprecedented pressure from the global community. The European Union gave Thailand six months to crack down on illegal fishing and labor abuses or face a trade ban, which could result in Thailand losing up to €1 billion ($1.1 billion) a year in seafood exports.

In the wake of Thailand’s drop on the human trafficking watch list, Thailand seems to be attempting to fight the human atrocities poisoning the country and has announced tougher legislation to address trafficking. However, according to Melysa Sperber, director of the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking, little has been seen, and no evidence of real improvement has been realized.

– Jason Zimmerman

Sources: MSN, The Guardian 1, The Guardian 2
Photo: CNN

Tilapiana Helps Fish Farmers out of Poverty

Tilapiana

Scientists predict fish such as tilapia will become extinct in 30 to 40 years due to non-sustainable fishing methods. Because of this, marine stock is over-exploited by 80 percent. Tilapiana, an organization dedicated to ending poverty in fishing communities, works to provide these communities funds, resources and training to maintain the fishing industry.

Billions of people living in developing communities rely on fishing for their livelihood and sustenance. With the challenges associated with the fishing industry, fish farmers face many difficulties that either prevent them from fishing or destroys their farm altogether. Fish is the primary source of protein in many developing communities based in coastal regions, and the availability of fish has decreased in recent years due to negative effects on the environment, causing poverty to increase.

Tilapiana, which is based out of Utah, was started in 2010 by Justin King and Andrew Stewart, with the goal of providing resources to those living at the base of the pyramid-those who live with the least financial, environmental and social sustainability. Tiapiana uses business models to help fish farms make up for the lack of sustainability with their position in the fishing industry. They have created the Tilapiana Fish Farm, which trains and empowers entrepreneurs to sustain their business and help bridge the nutritional gap many face.

Tilapiana Fish Farms follow a traditional franchise model. They provide fish farmers with the tools, supplies and resources needed to successfully run a fish farm. This initiative, Profit in a Pond, has successfully helped many farmers escape poverty, transcend the fishing industry and provide a healthy life for them and their families.

King and Stewart base their efforts in communities in Africa, primarily in Ghana. After graduating from Brigham Young University with an MBA in social environment, King decided to apply his degree to helping end poverty around the world, concluding the best way to do so was to help alleviate fish farmers in developing communities.

Recently, the organization was rated by Matador Network as one of the top 50 nonprofit organizations making a difference. In an interview with The Digital Universe, the founders of Tilapiana spoke about the startup of the company, saying it took several months of meeting with business leaders, being trained by fish farmers in effective fishing techniques and building relationships with citizens in Ghana.

– Julia Hettiger

Sources: BYU, Tilapiana, Deseret News
Photo: Flickr

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Human Trafficking in the Thai Fishing Industry

Human Trafficking in the Thai Fishing IndustryHuman trafficking is a horrific trade, often described as a form of modern-day slavery. It is defined as any illegal movement of people for the purposes of forced labor or sexual exploitation. Many governments are in denial of how widespread the issue is and neglect reporting or prosecuting those involved.

It is estimated that 20.9 million people are trafficked today. Twenty percent of those trafficked are under the age of 18. Sexual exploitation accounts for 79 percent of trafficking and the victims are usually women and girls. Eighteen percent of victims end up doing forced labor; many believe that the problem is growing worse worldwide.

Currently, the Rohingya people are some of the most vulnerable victims of human trafficking. The Rohingya are one of the world’s most persecuted minorities. A Muslim ethnic group that is one point three million strong, they are a stateless people, living in segregated areas of Myanmar. Although they have lived there for centuries, they are denied citizenship.

Read about the causes of human tracking

Since June 2012, 230 Rohingya have been killed because of religious violence and 140,000 have been displaced. They are facing abuses so severe that their plight fits the criteria for ethnic cleansing, and some fear an impending genocide. Because of this, 25,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar since the beginning of 2015. Many have had no other option but to take their chances on overcrowded boats to escape to other nearby countries.

Sadly, escaping persecution in Myanmar does not guarantee safety. Vessels have been stranded at sea after being turned away from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Some migrants have found themselves trapped in jungle prisons in Thailand, where they have been held for ransom. From there, many are sold into the Thai fishing industry.

Survivor testimonies, and investigations by human rights groups, have revealed a strong connection between trafficking the Rohingya and the Thai fishing industry. If captured Rohingya men cannot pay their ransom, they are sold onto fishing boats where they are forced to work with no escape. Thai seafood exports produced by slave labor have ended up in supermarket chains around the world, including the U.S. and the UK. The Rohingya are not alone in their struggles with human trafficking: Laotion and Cambodian migrants are also forced into the fishing industry.

There is no easy solution to this long-standing problem. In April, the European Union gave Thailand six months to combat labor abuses in the fishing industry or face a trade ban. But it will take more than just announcing legislative reforms to eliminate such abuses: actually enforcing any new laws designed to eliminate trafficking has proven difficult.

Some organizations are working on the ground to help the Rohingya. Partners Relief and Development has been working to locate stranded boats and provide food, water, and emergency medical care. Helping these persecuted people and protecting them from both human trafficking and ethnic cleansing will take serious efforts from many nations across Southeast Asia and the rest of the world.

– Jane Harkness

Sources: The Guardian, International Business Times, Partners Relief and Development, Polaris Project, UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Photo: Flickr

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West Africa Restoring Healthy Ocean Habitats

West Africa Restoring Healthy Ocean Habitats
As the world celebrated World Environment Day on June 5th, countries in West Africa looked to continue their work to preserve fish ecosystems and ocean habitats that are currently under threat.

Oceans provide food for over 1 billion people globally and provide income for 200 million people in developing countries. Along the coastal regions of West Africa, fishing practices provide half of the fish catch for the entire continent; fish is a source of income and nutrition in West Africa, especially for the poor. The World Bank says that fishing earns these West African countries approximately $4.9 billion per year. As a result, GDP has increased at the national level and provides local communities with an income and greater food security.

However, the marine sources and habitats that support them are being threatened by weak management, declining fish stocks, local exploitation and harmful fishing practices. In addition, foreign industrial ships stalk African coasts and steal fish stocks. To combat this, in 2009 the World Bank launched the West African Regional Fisheries Program (WARFP), which helps governments strengthen ocean management. WARFP has four main areas of focus: good governance and sustainable fisheries management, reducing illegal fishing, increasing the contribution of marine resources to the local economy, and coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and program management. The program helps communities in Ghana, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Senegal.

The program has helped people in these countries to successfully achieve national, regional and local reforms that educate and empower fishing communities to work together and share their resources. By stamping out illegal fishing in Sierra Leone, creating community-based monitoring in Liberia and encouraging locals to engage in fishing in Senegal, World Bank programs have aided in the fight to preserve and maintain the environment and ocean resources that are so vital to fishing.

“Developing partnerships between countries along the coast of Africa is key to promoting the recovery of Africa’s fish resources and preserving the ocean environment,” said Colin Bruce, World Bank Director for Regional Integration. In order to continue protecting West Africa’s marine environment, research and management programs need to continue, which in turn will secure a better future for the fishing communities of the region.

– Chloe Isacke

Sources: World Bank, WARFP
Photo: Knowing South Africa