Researchers: Papreen Nahar, Phd; Tanvir Shatil, Riana Islam; Tasin Rashid
Partner: Winrock International
Timeline: 2024–2025
Status: Completed
Contact: Tanvir Shatil, tanvir.shatil@bracu.ac.bd
Context
Climate-induced disasters—such as salinity intrusion, rising sea levels, floods, cyclones, and riverbank erosion—have led to widespread displacement, forcing people from rural areas to migrate to urban and peri-urban settlements. Moreover, climate-induced migration does not just disrupt livelihoods; it also exacerbates vulnerabilities to human trafficking and modern slavery, including forced labour and exploitation. This study seeks to understand the intersection of climate-induced displacement, human trafficking, and forced labour, focusing on the long-term socio-economic impacts on migrants. The research findings will contribute to national and global policy discussions on climate migration, human rights protection, and anti-trafficking interventions.
Objectives
This study aims to:
- Explore the socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructural vulnerabilities of climate-induced migrants in urban and peri-urban settlements, particularly their exposure to human trafficking and modern slavery;
- Assess the long-term impacts of climate-induced displacement on livelihood changes, adaptation strategies, and social integration, analysing access to resources, employment opportunities, and social safety nets;
- Document the lived experiences of climate migrants using qualitative and participatory methods, capturing their personal narratives, coping strategies, and resilience practices;
- Provide evidence-based policy recommendations to inform urban planning, local adaptation strategies, human rights protections, and anti-trafficking interventions.
Methodology
This study employs a mixed-method approach with a strong emphasis on qualitative data collection. The study will involve 105 households across three climate-affected districts—Dhaka, Satkhira, and Sirajganj—with 35 households per location. Selection criteria include migration due to climate hazards such as salinity intrusion, riverbank erosion, floods, and prolonged waterlogging. Households that migrated to urban or peri-urban settlements within the past 10 years will be prioritised to capture contemporary challenges and vulnerabilities. The data will focus on how displacement affects their socio-economic conditions and exposure to forced labor and human trafficking risks.
The research methodology includes:
- In-depth Interviews (IDIs): conducted with climate migrants to understand their lived experiences, vulnerabilities, and exposure to trafficking and forced labor risks.
- Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): conducted with stakeholders, such as local community leaders, NGOs, and researchers, to gain insights into the broader socio-political context of climate migrants.
- Participatory Rapid Appraisals (PRA): using techniques such as photovoice and free-listing to document migrant experiences through visual storytelling by respondents themselves and community-driven research.
- Quantitative Surveys: collecting socio-economic data on income, employment, migration history, and social integration.
Findings and Recommendations
The study will generate evidence for policy discussions on climate migration, human trafficking, and modern slavery. Findings will be shared with relevant stakeholders to support climate adaptation, urban planning, and anti-trafficking initiatives. A working paper is in the writing process.
