Exploring the Nexus Between Climate Change, Migration, and Human Trafficking Among Vulnerable Labor Forces- in Context of KPK Pakistan

Abstract

This research explores the intricate relationship between climate change and migration, leading to human trafficking, mainly affecting vulnerable workers in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) region of Pakistan. The core hypothesis within this study demonstrates that climate change drives involuntary migration while raising the risk of human trafficking toward unskilled and disadvantaged populations. It deeply develops the understanding of how climate-induced vulnerabilities make the labor workers a target for human trafficking. The rapid rise of climate variation across Pakistan since recent years has driven extensive floods together with droughts and changed agricultural conditions while pushing residents to relocate and search for income. Migration as an adaptation approach forces people to work within informal labor sectors, which demonstrate weak legal support and facilitate human trafficking activities. The primary issue stems from both climate migration as well as the governmental and socioeconomic breakdowns that promote unregulated abuse of displaced people. Research combines statistical surveys and personal interviews to examine migration movements and demographic characteristics of vulnerable groups, as well as the evaluation of regulatory gaps. Climate change primarily affects untrained workers with a strong bias toward female and child populations thus generating conditions that facilitate their exploitation. This study shows that institutions have limitations in handling the complicated nature of this crisis. This study suggests the development of complementary climate adaptation measures and protective labor systems as well as anti-trafficking regulations that address the specific risks of migrating people. By exposing the under-researched intersection of environmental stressors and human trafficking, this thesis offers critical insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and human rights advocates seeking sustainable and inclusive interventions.