In a compelling episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam engages with Dr. Eefje De Volder, a leading expert in human trafficking and co-founder of IMPACT. Dr. De Volder also co-owns Rwandan Empowerment Coffee, a social enterprise empowering female survivors of sexual violence in Rwanda. Together, they delve into the evolving challenges of combating modern-day slavery and the innovative solutions needed to address it.
Download the transcript of this episode.
Dr. De Volder began by highlighting the broad scope of human trafficking, defined under the Palermo Protocol. While traditionally associated with sexual exploitation, trafficking encompasses forced labor, organ removal, and now, as recognized by the EU in 2024, forced surrogacy, forced marriage, and illegal adoption. She stressed:
“While these additions are essential for addressing all forms of exploitation, they complicate enforcement, requiring specialized approaches for each form.”
The ethical and legal conundrums regarding forced marriage and forced surrogacy came up for consideration. Dr. De Volder clarified that forced surrogacy frequently functions under the pretense of commercial surrogacy, stressing the importance of differentiating between exploitative and consenting arrangements. Similarly, it is difficult to prosecute forced marriage since it is entwined with cultural customs. She pointed out that victims find it difficult to speak out against their relatives, saying:
“The social pressures within communities often blur the line between arranged and forced marriages.”
Dr. De Volder disclosed the crucial role corruption plays in illicit adoption. She emphasized how systemic problems sustain exploitation, from forged documents to forced child surrender. She noted that corruption not only makes these crimes easier to do, but it also makes it very difficult for adoptive parents to recognize the exploitation that goes on behind the scenes.
See also: Human Trafficking Unveiled: Insights from the Frontlines| DevelopmentAid Dialogues
The economic foundations of human trafficking were also discussed. The desire for cheap labor and goods fosters exploitation, and trafficking thrives on global disparities and unregulated capitalist institutions, Dr. De Volder stressed. She urged consumers to think about the human cost of their purchases and advocated for communal accountability.
Dr. De Volder highlighted the transformative influence of her social venture, Rwandan Empowerment Coffee. The idea establishes long-term livelihoods by paying survivors fairly and giving them ownership holdings.
“It’s not just about empowering individuals but challenging exploitative supply chains,” she told me.
She also emphasized the significance of multi-stakeholder engagement in combating trafficking. Dr. De Volder applauded initiatives in the hospitality industry to train hotel staff to spot and report indicators of human trafficking.
“Partnerships among governments, NGOs, and businesses are key to meaningful change,” she told the audience.
Looking ahead, Dr. De Volder pushed for prevention by addressing underlying issues such as poverty and inequality. She advocated for comprehensive awareness efforts geared to varied cultures, as well as early education on social norms.
“Preventing trafficking requires a long-term, multifaceted approach, but the impact is worth the investment,” she told the audience.
Dr. De Volder’s observations highlight the necessity of resilience, teamwork, and systemic change in understanding and addressing the intricacies of human trafficking.
Listen to our latest podcast to discover more about these vital concerns and how individuals and communities can help against human trafficking.
