AP: Nobel laureate says pandemic raising violence, trafficking
“Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad said the coronavirus pandemic has increased trafficking of women and gender-based violence, leaving the health and safety of women ‘on the line.’ The 27-year-old activist, who was forced into sexual slavery by Islamic State fighters in Iraq, said curfews, lockdowns, and travel restrictions imposed by governments to slow the spread of the virus ‘have had unintended consequences on women worldwide’…” (Lederer, 12/1).

U.N. News: The pandemic is fueling slavery and sexual exploitation, U.N. experts warn
“The COVID-19 pandemic has played into the hands of slavers and traffickers and requires stronger government measures to prevent exploitation of vulnerable people, more than 50 independent U.N. human rights experts said in a statement on Monday. There was a direct link between the pandemic, socio-economic vulnerability, and the risk of exploitation, they said…” (12/1).

U.N. News: COVID-19 worsening gender-based violence, trafficking risk, for women and girls
“With the COVID-19 pandemic heightening the dangers of gender-based violence and human trafficking, action on these two fronts is needed now more than ever, the head of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said on Monday. UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly was speaking during a virtual event to strengthen global commitment at a time when women and girls are locked down and locked in, rendering them further exposed to violence and harassment, or at greater risk of being trafficked…” (11/30).