Poverty and unemployment – the context in which trafficking has developed

The break-up of the Soviet Union eliminated most of the systems and infrastructures that provided social safety nets and a minimal standard of living for the Russian population. In the transition to a market economy production has fallen, there has been substantial capital flight and foreign investment has been minimal. All of this has resulted in economic instability and newly impoverished populations, accompanied by high unemployment, unpaid wages, savings lost or spent on subsistence, and little hope of change.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions