Trafficking in tsunami hit Sri Lanka

The International Organisation for Migration has started a major campaign in tsunami hit Sri Lanka to try to prevent the exploitation of women and children. Sri Lanka is a source country for women and children being trafficked to Lebanon and several Gulf States for sexual exploitation and forced labour. Women, boys and girls are also trafficked inside Sri Lanka for sex tourists to use, as well as being forced into domestic servitude. This was the case before the tsunami, and the emergency has increased the risk of people being trafficked because they have lost all security and means of income. The IOM has distributed 5000 posters informing people that they should be very cautious of anyone who offers them a job abroad. They have also been offering financial support to families who now only have one parent leading them and who are vulnerable to splitting up due to pressures of poverty.