Nigeria is a source and destination for persons subjected to trafficking. Although there is no locally sourced data to show an estimated number of victims, studies have shown that Italy has the largest population of Nigerian victims of human trafficking. According to the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Nigeria is one of the leading African countries in cross-border and internal human trafficking. Most Nigerian victims of trafficking are recruited from rural areas with the promise of a better life. Porous borders and the practice of entrusting children to friends or relatives also create vulnerability. Some parents even voluntarily give out their children thinking they are helping them escape chronic poverty for a better opportunity.
As a child that grew up in a terrible blend of child abuse, domestic violence, and forced labor, human trafficking irks the very core of my existence and no further, should it be allowed to prevail. It is a heinous crime! Working with project Asha and volunteering for La Roche Leadership Foundation has also opened my eyes to the trauma of victims of this menace.
The first-hand testimony from a close relative and survivor of trafficking and forced sex stated that the traffickers use voodoo curses and oaths of secrecy to impede their victims from seeking help. Unfortunately, many Nigerians think that human trafficking is when women and girls are forcefully taken from Nigeria to other parts of the world and that it is an international issue. Every country in the world is one way or another affected by human trafficking. It has been reported that over 40million are exploited or are victims of human trafficking yearly. This is an issue that many young people are ignorant of. Women and girls are primary victims especially in poor communities in developing countries. This crime thrives in communities without data.
It has been recorded that most human trafficking process has three key phases: The acquisition, the transportation, and the forced labour. Human trafficking includes such things as sex trafficking, child labour exploitation, organ trafficking and a host of others.
Human trafficking is not obvious, and the signs can be hard to recognize. Because of the varying dynamics used to manipulate the victim, he or she may be reluctant to report because of fear, lack of trust, and shame.
Here are some signs:
- Signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as bruising or untreated medical conditions, depression, anxiety or low self-esteem.
- Behaviour that appears instructed by another, as though he or she is forced or coerced to carry out specific activities.
- Not being paid, being paid very little, or working excessive hours or in dangerous conditions.
- Not being allowed to leave home or work location, or is closely supervised and restricted in movement.
- Experiencing threats made against themselves or family members.
- Not having one’s legal documents or financial records.
- Being under the age of 18 engaging in commercial sex.
Source: https://asunow.asu.edu
A strategic infusion of technology into the fight against human trafficking will aid the cause. Digital technology has offered us a leeway to combat this crime. It is known to be a tool to aid the trade; the primary hotspot for recruitment includes migration advertisement, social media, job websites, anonymizing applications familiar networks to recruit. With the unprecedented advancement in technology, there are ample opportunities to monitor illicit activities, locate and rescue victims, collect and analyses data, and streamline communication. With technology, we can promote shared knowledge, education and awareness. With tech victims, witnesses or concerned citizens can report abuse, deceitful business practices anonymously. Everyone needs to work together to use technology to curb trafficking and ensure that young people are empowered.
Written by: Pascaline Opeodu
