Climate Change, Mobility and Modern Slavery

The intersecting crises of modern slavery and climate change demand urgent global
attention. While these phenomena may appear distinct, they are deeply interconnected and
disproportionately affect the world’s most disadvantaged and marginalised communities. Climate
change has forced millions of people to leave their homes and relocate, putting them at higher risk
of exploitation and modern slavery. This report highlights the need for a more holistic approach to
climate action, one that explicitly recognises the linkages between climate-induced mobility and
modern slavery.

Marginalised communities, who already contend with systemic inequalities tied to gender,
ethnicity, socioeconomic status and political exclusion, face the worst impacts of climate change.
Climate-related impacts destroy livelihoods, displace families and deepen economic hardship,
driving people to move. This ‘distressed mobility’ puts people at high risk of exploitation and
modern slavery. Those who are ‘immobile’ (due to poverty, systemic barriers to migration or their
desire to stay in their homes) are similarly at risk.

This report provides a rapid assessment of current and emerging responses to the intersecting
challenges of climate change, mobility and modern slavery. Through case studies, it shares the insights
and emerging responses of civil society actors and researchers working with affected communities
from South Asia, Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the Pacific Islands and Latin America.

Researched and written by Ritwajit Das (lead author) and Devi Chakrabarti (co-author)

Key advisors: Sanjay Vashist and Ruchi Chaudhary

Research support: Gurleen Kaur, Rachna Prasad and Umanandini Gupta

This research was funded by the UK Home Office Modern Slavery Innovation Fund (Phase 3).

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this research and provided their valuable time.

This research was commissioned by Anti-Slavery International and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). The Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program (OKUP) provided technical support.

Holly-Anne Whyte provided editorial advice on a version of this document. Research and editorial support was also provided by Chiara Soletti, Cristina Patriarca and Kiara Brodie at Anti-Slavery International