By heightening risks for those already exploited, increasing the risks of exploitation, and disrupting response efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic could greatly impact the fight against modern slavery.

There is a need for empirical evidence that shows how social, psychological, financial, geographical, and political factors contribute to conflict, and how climate change interacts with them.

Special measures are needed to protect people living in informal settlements and refugee camps, where overcrowding and lack of sufficient access to clean water, sanitation, and health services can increase vulnerability to COVID-19.

As the European Union seeks a durable solution to Mediterranean migration flows, countries of arrival could adopt an international protection regime supporting victims of crimes against humanity.

The deaths of 39 people in Essex are a great tragedy, but unfortunately these perilous situations are common for refugees and migrants making dangerous journeys to Europe.