US State Department Report Reveals Alarming Rise in Cyber-Linked Forced Labor and Exploitation of Boys.
The US annual report on human trafficking highlights an increase in forced labor schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic and a years-long uptick in the exploitation of boys. The report listed 24 countries in “tier 3” or the lowest rating outlined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. Fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shape trends in global human trafficking. Boys represented the “fastest-growing segment” of human trafficking victims. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the need for partnerships between governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and private industries to address sex and labor trafficking.