Abstract

An unprecedented pandemic that has adversely impacted our world and a socio-legal issue that has and continues to be immensely problematic and depraved. This is the coronavirus disease and the crime of human trafficking respectively. The issue at hand is the largely unknown association between these two incidents. This is precisely what this paper endeavours to elaborate on. It explains how the rules and regulations introduced by several governments for mitigating the spread of the disease such as social distancing, working from home, etc. have indirectly increased the rates of the inhumane offence and regrettably made it easier to do so. It clarifies what the coronavirus disease is by focusing on its definition, origin, method of transmission, etc. Subsequently, it elucidates on the meaning and types of human trafficking while highlighting the sheer damaging impact of the same on its victims. Afterwards, the connection between these two topics is thoroughly explored through the combination of literary mediums and statistical data. Light is shed on how the disease has made people of all ages and genders more emotionally, physically, economically and socially helpless which ensures that they are effortlessly trappable by the vile traffickers. Special emphasis is placed on the innocence of children and the hardships this pandemic has made them go through in terms of online education, domestic violence, etc. Later, a synopsis of existing laws and provisions regarding human trafficking is provided with indispensable solutions for reducing the crime rates and ameliorating the problems of its victims. Ultimately, a conclusion constituting personal views is opined.

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