Welcome to the Freedom Fund’s monthly bulletin designed to bring you new and compelling research from the global anti-slavery movement.
Cyber-enabled crime in Southeast Asia
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) delves into the rise of cyber-enabled fraud by transnational criminal networks in Southeast Asia. Using past studies, corporate data, law enforcement records and consultations, UNODC reveals criminals’ growing reliance on technologies to replace trafficked labour. This includes malware to bypass security filters, and generative AI to locate victims and produce convincing deepfakes. In 2023, an estimated USD 18 to 37 billion were stolen through cyber-enabled fraud in East and Southeast Asia, facilitated by the use of cryptocurrencies and USD-backed stablecoins, as well as virtual asset service providers for money laundering.
Children groomed into criminal and violent activities
UNICEF examines the drivers behind adolescent children aged 10 to 18 participating in non-state armed groups, organised criminal groups and violent networks. Drawing on a literature review and insights from 20 experts, the study identifies contributing factors such as identity and self-doubt, lack of educational opportunities, poor parental supervision, economic hardship and the pursuit of online fame. The study underscores the importance of preventing online radicalisation and recruitment of children and calls for structural interventions, including support for caregivers, mental health services, education and livelihood assistance. It also advocates for child offenders to be treated as victims, rather than face custodial punishment.
Labour violations at International Finance Corporation (IFC) financed hotels
The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) and Global Labor Justice and the International Labor Rights Forum (GLJ-ILRF) jointly review performance standards and workers’ rights at IFC-financed hotels. Reviewing complaints submitted from 50 IFC-financed hotels in 12 countries, the study documents violations such as wage theft, forced overtime and unlawful mass terminations. It criticises IFC’s failure to use its contractual powers to address noncompliance by its investees, and proposes early engagement with worker groups and trade unions to embed workers’ rights into IFC’s investment process.
Migrant workers exploited within Carrefour Saudi Arabia
Amnesty International reveals that migrant workers in Carrefour facilities in Saudi Arabia were cheated, deceived, underpaid and overworked. Based on reviews of publicly available information, laws, policies, and interviews with 17 current and former workers, the study finds that Carrefour Group hired a third of its 2,000 to 3,000 workforce via subcontractors. Most of the migrant workers described not receiving the promised wages or conditions via the intermediary, often working 10-hour days without a weekly rest day – both in violation of the labour laws. Some workers who complained were immediately terminated, while others were asked to pay an exit fee of over USD 1,000 to leave the country.
Children’s participation and safety in anti-violence research
Research led by the University of Oxford introduces the “REFER” safeguarding framework to encourage meaningful and safe inclusion of minors in research and interventions related to violence against children. Following the review of 75 studies, it emphasises five key pillars: a budgeted response plan for adverse events to connect affected children with services; local expertise in developing this response plan; prioritising the best interests and needs of children and other groups; ensuring safety and free access to counselling for researchers and program implementors; and requiring a response plan before funding or approving projects to ensure they are safe, ethical, and responsive to the needs of children and vulnerable groups.
Read on
Lagos Business School examines women domestic workers use of digital financial services, showing that these services enhance their economic empowerment through access to savings and control over their funds.
University College London leads a study that shows how climate-induced displacement, immobility, child labour and health consequences can intensify the risk of violence against children.
Deakin University in Australia analyses the cost-effectiveness of community interventions to prevent child sexual abuse, aiming to inform decision-making on prevention strategies.
Freedom Fund news
Comics by PositiveNegatives illustrate how people in Kenya without official documents can be driven into exploitation and modern slavery, plus a related news article by The Guardian.
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Research library
Visit our Slavery Research Library to access anti-slavery resources from across the globe.
Contact
The Slavery Research Bulletin is produced monthly by the Freedom Fund, a global fund with the sole aim of helping end modern slavery.
Research being featured in this bulletin does not equal endorsement by the Freedom Fund.
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