DHAKA, Feb 27, 2024 (BSS) - The United States will provide fund to a project to reduce to minimize risks of climate-vulnerable populations becoming human trafficking victims.  

With support from the US State Department of State, the project named AugroJatra, to be implemented by US based Winrock International, will enhance knowledge on the link between climate change, human trafficking, and modern slavery, a US embassy press release said here.  
 
By gathering evidence throughout Bangladesh, the project will reduce vulnerability to exploitation and human trafficking that often accompanies loss of property and livelihoods caused by climate change among farming and fishing households, it added.
 
The project aims to improve climate-resilient livelihoods for at-risk populations and encourage cross integration of climate change adaptation and human trafficking prevention into policies and plans.
 
The project will be implemented across 11 districts in Bangladesh, including Rangpur, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, Faridpur, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Barishal, and Patuakhali.
 
The program underlined the commitment by Bangladesh and the United States to work together to combat both human trafficking and climate change, said the US embassy.
 
The US will continue to support Bangladesh in strengthening its capacity and mobilizing resources to accelerate implementation of climate adaption, resilience, and mitigation measures to minimize risks of climate-vulnerable populations becoming human trafficking victims.
 
Today, US embassy's chargé d'affaires Helen LaFave from US Embassy, and representatives from Bangladeshi and International organizations attended launching of project in the capital.
 
"The AugroJatra project will help the Government of Bangladesh better understand how climate change impacts fishers and farmers and provide evidence about the best actions to take to mitigate the risks of increasing trafficking in persons among these vulnerable populations in Bangladesh," Helen said.