Migration, both internal and international, plays a significant role in creating conditions that make individuals vulnerable to human trafficking. Migration is often driven by economic, social, and political factors, including poverty, lack of employment opportunities, conflict, natural disasters, and political instability. Individuals who migrate in search of better livelihoods or safety may find themselves in unfamiliar environments, lacking social networks, legal protection, and knowledge of local systems. These vulnerabilities are frequently exploited by traffickers who promise legitimate work, education, or better living conditions, only to subject the migrants to forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of abuse. Economic migration is one of the most prominent pathways leading to trafficking. Many people migrate from rural areas to urban centers, or from less developed countries to more economically prosperous ones, in search of jobs. In this process, migrants often encounter intermediaries such as recruiters or agents who may misrepresent job opportunities. For instance, a migrant worker seeking employment abroad may be promised a decent salary and legal work conditions but may instead be forced into exploitative work with little or no pay, often under threat or coercion. The lack of legal documentation or work permits exacerbates this vulnerability, as undocumented migrants have limited avenues for legal recourse and are afraid of deportation, which traffickers exploit to maintain control. Another aspect of migration that facilitates trafficking is irregular or undocumented migration. Many individuals undertake dangerous journeys to cross borders without proper documentation, often relying on smugglers. While smuggling and trafficking are legally distinct—smuggling involves consent, while trafficking involves exploitation—the two can intersect. Migrants who rely on smugglers are exposed to abuse and often end up in situations where they are coerced into forced labor or sexual exploitation to pay off debts or smuggling fees. The desperation to migrate quickly and escape poverty or conflict creates a power imbalance, making it easier for traffickers to manipulate and trap individuals in exploitative situations. Conflict and displacement further amplify the risk of trafficking among migrants. Wars, internal strife, and political persecution displace millions of people each year, forcing them to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere. Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs)