COVID-19 is feeding the \u201cgrowing evil\u201d of human trafficking<\/a>, pulling more of the world\u2019s children into slavery and sexual exploitation, a new report reveals. The pandemic has \u201ccemented human trafficking as the third biggest illicit trade on the planet, behind illegal arms sales and drugs,\u201d says the report by Texas-based humanitarian agency Gospel for Asia (GFA World<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe global pandemic has only heightened the desperation of those at risk and deepened the cunning of the traffickers,\u201d says the report, (https:\/\/www.gfa.org\/press\/human-trafficking\/<\/a>), citing worsening poverty and hunger as key drivers of the $150 billion a year global slave trade.<\/p>\n \u201cThe horrific exploitation of children and young adults for sex and forced labor is the most vile crime,\u201d said GFA World<\/a> founder K.P. Yohannan<\/a>. \u201cWe must act now to cut off this growing evil.\u201d<\/p>\n Travel and border restrictions \u2014 intended to slow the spread of the virus \u2014 have driven traffickers underground and made victims more difficult to identify, the report says. Of the estimated 20-30 million slaves in the world today, four out of every five are women or girls.<\/p>\n The surge in online activity due to lockdowns is giving traffickers a wider net to entrap potential victims, including children. Police in Canada warn that \u201cchatter in dark web forums\u201d shows predators view the pandemic as an opportunity to lure children into the sex industry.<\/p>\n In some parts of Asia, traffickers enlist or coerce parents and other relatives to sell their children to \u201cplacement agencies\u201d \u2014 fronts for domestic slavery.<\/p>\n Predators are even \u201cmasquerading as helpers\u201d to find new victims. \u201cForced prostitution and chosen sex work are going to acquire a new momentum in the post-COVID-19 world,\u201d the report says.<\/p>\n Interpol, the international police agency, says the pandemic \u201chas not blunted the determination of organized crime groups to prey on the vulnerable.\u201d<\/p>\n Traffickers are taking even greater risks, too often resulting in the tragic deaths of their victims. In March, 64 African migrants suffocated in a shipping container; in May, 39 Vietnamese migrants were found dead in a refrigerated truck in England; and in June, a former official in Arkansas pleaded guilty to smuggling women into the U.S. to put their babies up for adoption.<\/p>\n In Europe\u2019s lucrative soccer industry, it\u2019s estimated there are 15,000 trafficking victims every year.<\/p>\n Faith-based humanitarian groups like GFA World<\/a> and International Justice Mission are on the frontlines in the fight against slavery \u2014 with GFA World\u2019s indigenous workers acting as \u201cemergency interceptors\u201d in city slums and remote villages where millions are easy prey for predators.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough vocational training for women, protecting girls by providing safe water access, and our Bridge of Hope children\u2019s program, we\u2019re saving tens of thousands from falling victim to traffickers,\u201d said Yohannan, author of Never Give Up<\/em><\/a>. \u201cThis is how we confront the evil of human trafficking head-on, and show people the love of God.\u201d<\/p>\n Read another story on how the Lord is using Gospel for Asia to bring relief to those in need during COVID 19<\/a>.<\/p>\n Those interested in supporting GFA World\u2019s COVID 19 relief efforts in Asia, should go to: http:\/\/www.gfa.org\/press\/covid-19<\/a>.<\/p>\n Media interested in interviews with Gospel For Asia should contact Gregg Wooding at InChrist Communications<\/a> @ 972-567-7660<\/a> or gwooding@inchristcommuications.com<\/a><\/p>\n Gospel for Asia (GFA World<\/a>) is a leading faith-based mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear about the love of God. In GFA\u2019s latest yearly report, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https:\/\/press.gfa.org\/news<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Learn more by reading these Special Reports<\/a>:<\/p>\n KP Yohannan has issued two statements about the COVID-19 situation found here<\/a> and here<\/a>.<\/p>\n GFA\u2019s Statement About Coronavirus<\/a><\/p>\n Click here<\/a>, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.<\/p>\n Learn more about Gospel for Asia: Facebook<\/a> | YouTube<\/a> | Instagram<\/a> | LinkedIn<\/a> | SourceWatch<\/a> | Integrity<\/a> | Lawsuit Update<\/a> | 5 Distinctives<\/a> | 6 Remarkable Facts<\/a> | 10 Milestones<\/a> | Media Room<\/a> | Open Defecation<\/a> | Endorsements<\/a> | 40th Anniversary<\/a> | Lawsuit Response<\/a> |<\/p>\n Notable News about Gospel for Asia: FoxNews<\/a>, ChristianPost<\/a>, NYPost<\/a>, MissionsBox<\/a><\/p>\n Source: <\/strong>GFA World Press Room, COVID-19 \u2018Feeds Slave Trade, Sexual Exploitation\u2019 Says Gospel for Asia (GFA World)<\/a><\/strong>![The COVID 19 pandemic has \"cemented human trafficking as the 3rd biggest illicit trade on the planet,\" says Gospel for Asia (GFA World)](\"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/792\/2020\/12\/modern-slavery-covid-19.jpg\")
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