- A BBC investigation revealed a growing illegal market for domestic workers on social media apps in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with hashtags and private messages on platforms like Instagram and Facebook facilitating these sales.
- The investigation found widespread human rights abuses, with sellers threatening to confiscate workers’ passports, restricting their movements, and denying them time off or phone access, despite some apps taking steps to address the issue.
- Anti-slavery advocates and organizations urge major tech companies to be held accountable and emphasize the need for stronger laws and policies to prevent modern slavery and protect vulnerable workers.
A highly disturbing BBC investigation has uncovered a growing trend of illegal sales of domestic workers through social media apps in Middle Eastern countries.
The BBC Arabic undercover team exposed an online black market for modern slavery in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. They found hashtags and private messages on Instagram and Facebook that facilitated the sale of domestic workers for household chores such as cleaning and caretaking. Apps available on Google Play and Apple’s App Store were also found to be promoting ads for illegal labor.
Anti-slavery advocates argue that major tech companies must be held accountable.
“They are promoting an online slave market,” stated Urmila Bhoola, the UN special rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, according to the BBC.
On the e-commerce platform 4Sale, women were listed by race and sold for thousands of dollars.
“African worker, clean, and smiley,” read one advertisement.
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The BBC Arabic team interviewed 57 users of 4Sale and visited over a dozen individuals who had advertised domestic labor.
“You will find someone buying a maid for 600 KD ($2,000), and selling her for 1,000 KD ($3,300),” a policeman attempting to sell his worker told the team.
Most of the sellers admitted to human rights abuses against their workers, including threats to confiscate passports, restricting their movements, denying them time off, and forbidding phone access.
The investigation also revealed that hundreds of women were being sold on the Saudi-based e-commerce site Haraj and on Instagram.
Domestic workers are prevalent in Kuwait, where up to 90% of households employ them. These workers often migrate to Kuwait seeking to support their families back home. Under the Kafala system, which monitors migrant laborers, domestic workers cannot change jobs or leave the country without their sponsor’s permission.
Despite Kuwait enacting laws in 2015 to protect domestic workers, many loopholes remain. Employers can bypass agencies by selling sponsorships online, exploiting vulnerable women.
Globally, 45 million people are trapped in modern slavery, with women and girls making up 71% of this number. They often face high rates of physical and sexual violence, as well as mental and physical health issues. Trafficked children frequently miss out on education and become stuck in a cycle of poverty and slavery.
While some apps are taking steps to address human trafficking, hundreds of workers continue to be traded online. After the BBC contacted 4Sale about the illegal activity, the company removed its domestic worker section. Haraj did not respond to requests for comment.
“We will continue to work with law enforcement, expert organizations, and industry to prevent this behavior on our platforms,” said a Facebook spokesman. The Arabic hashtag #maidsfortransfer, used to sell workers, is now banned on Facebook.
Google and Apple also stated they are working with developers to prevent illegal activity. However, the BBC found that related listings are still active on Instagram and other apps available on Apple and Google.
The Kuwaiti government claims it is trying to stop this behavior and will investigate the apps, though no significant action has been taken against the platforms yet.
Anti-Slavery International emphasizes the need for countries to implement policies that prevent slavery and invest in research to expose modern slavery, helping to end these human rights abuses and forms of exploitation.
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How Can We Take Action?
Taking action against the illegal sale of domestic workers and modern slavery involves multiple approaches. Here are several ways individuals and organizations can contribute to combating these crimes:
1. Raise Awareness
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the issue and share information with your network to raise awareness.
- Social Media Campaigns: Use social media platforms to spread awareness and call out instances of modern slavery and illegal sales.
- Community Outreach: Organize or participate in community events, workshops, and seminars to educate the public.
2. Support Anti-Slavery Organizations
- Donations: Contribute financially to organizations fighting against modern slavery.
- Volunteering: Offer your time and skills to help anti-slavery organizations with their efforts.
- Advocacy: Join campaigns and advocacy groups that pressure governments and companies to take action.
3. Report Suspicious Activity
- Hotlines and Websites: Use national and international hotlines and websites to report suspicious activities related to human trafficking and modern slavery.
- Law Enforcement: Inform local law enforcement agencies if you suspect any illegal activity.
4. Hold Companies Accountable
- Consumer Pressure: Use your buying power to support companies that have transparent and ethical labor practices.
- Campaigns: Participate in or initiate campaigns demanding tech companies and online platforms to enforce strict regulations against illegal sales.
- Shareholder Actions: If you own shares in a company, use your influence to demand better practices and accountability.
5. Support Policy Changes
- Petitions: Sign and promote petitions calling for stronger laws and better enforcement against human trafficking and modern slavery.
- Lobbying: Engage with your representatives and urge them to support legislation aimed at combating human trafficking.
- International Pressure: Advocate for international cooperation and pressure on countries with poor records on human trafficking.
6. Promote Ethical Employment Practices
- Fair Hiring: Ensure that domestic workers and other employees are hired through ethical channels that respect their rights.
- Worker Rights Education: Educate workers about their rights and provide them with resources to seek help if needed.
7. Technology and Innovation
- Develop Tools: Support or develop technological tools that help identify and report instances of human trafficking.
- Data Sharing: Encourage data sharing among organizations and governments to track and prevent trafficking activities.
8. Support Victims
- Rehabilitation Programs: Support programs that provide shelter, legal aid, and rehabilitation for victims of human trafficking.
- Legal Assistance: Provide or support legal assistance to help victims regain their freedom and secure their rights.
- Job Training: Offer job training and employment opportunities to help victims reintegrate into society.’
These are just a few ways you can play your part and help vulnerable women.
Stay tuned to WOW360.