Slavers capture women and children for sex trafficking and labor

'Children are always the most vulnerable during emergencies...'

India has suffered floods across the country, leaving millions displaced and over 300 people dead.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Slavers have been taking advantage of the chaos by poaching women and children to sell into slavery.

Unfortunately, the slaves can be used for labor, sex or both.

The disgusting practice has always been an issue but the slave population has boomed since the onset of the floods.

NDTV reported stranded women and children are easy prey for slavers, who put them to work as slaves in middle class homes, restaurants, shops and brothels.

Relief camps are swollen with displaced citizens as entire villages have been destroyed.

Thomas Chandy, the CEO of Save the Children, India explained: "Children are always the most vulnerable during emergencies - especially during floods, when families are forced to move to higher ground, leaving their homes for an extended period of time.

"A child's parents may not always remain in their proximity and with the presence of strangers, the threat of sexual abuse and child trafficking is high. There are organised groups of offenders who are quick to seize opportunities to exploit the plight of children."

According to a 2016 global slavery index, published by the Walk Free Foundation, the unfortunate truth is India contains 40 percent of the world's estimated 45.8 million slaves.

Kidnapping and abductions are abundant in India, as gangs roam the streets specifically to capture whoever they can.

The flooding has made it difficult for humanitarian groups to adequately deliver food and other necessary supplies, which leaves India's government officials scrambling to ensure people are safe and properly cared for.

Imamudin Ahmad, the Director of Bihar's social welfare department stated: "Before the current floods, we had held meetings early this month on the issues of human trafficking. We are sensitising people and are involving everyone including the police department, labour department and social welfare departments."

Authorities were sent to check trains, which are often used to transport slaves, as well as areas known for child labor.

The floods have closed schools, leaving few child-friendly safe havens, leading Rafay Hussain, the General Manager of Save the Children in Bihar, concerned for their well-being.

"From our experience, we have seen that children need the company of their parents, family and friends during such crises," Hussain said. "And every effort should be made to ensure that they do remain in such company, for their safety and overall well-being."

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