HEALTH TALK: Health implications of human trafficking 

 

By Suleiman Tajudeen

 

CITIZENS COMPASS—Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of people through force, coercion, or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for labour, sex, or organ harvesting.

Historical perspective

In most countries particularly Nigeria, human trafficking has its roots in the economic and social issues. The practice is fueled by poverty, unemployment, and population growth. For instance, Nigeria’s porous borders and lack of effective law enforcement also contribute to the Menace of human trafficking which has been linked to the country’s traditional practices, such as sending young people from poor homes to wealthy families as domestic help.

Colonial legacy: The legacy of colonialism has contributed to Nigeria’s economic instability, making it vulnerable to human trafficking.

Cultural practices: Certain cultural practices, such as early marriage and child labor, have been exploited by traffickers.

Economic instability: Nigeria’s economic instability has led to poverty and unemployment, making citizens vulnerable to traffickers’ promises of better opportunities.

Lack of effective law Enforcement: Inadequate law enforcement and corruption have hindered efforts to combat human trafficking.

Porous borders: Nigeria’s porous borders make it easy for traffickers to transport victims in and out of the country.

Globalisation: Globalization has increased the demand for cheap labor and sex trafficking.

Poverty: Poverty is a significant driver of human trafficking in Nigeria, with many citizens seeking better opportunities abroad.

Unemployment: Unemployment and underemployment have led to desperation, making citizens vulnerable to traffickers.

Population growth: Nigeria’s rapid population growth has put pressure on resources, contributing to poverty and unemployment.

Lack of education: Limited access to education has contributed to a lack of awareness about human trafficking.

Forms of human trafficking

Sex: The exploitation of individuals for commercial sex, often through force, coercion, or deception.

Labour: The exploitation of individuals for forced labor, often in industries such as agriculture, construction, or domestic work.

Organ: The forced removal and sale of organs, often for transplantation.

Causes

Migration: Nigeria’s citizens are willing to migrate for better opportunities, making them vulnerable to traffickers.

Traffickers’ manipulation: Traffickers use manipulation and coercion to exploit their victims.

Prevalence

Human trafficking is a significant problem in Nigeria:

Internal trafficking: Many Nigerian children are trafficked internally for forced labour and sex trafficking.

International trafficking: Nigerian women and children are trafficked to other countries, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.

Forced labour: Many victims are subjected to forced labor in industries such as agriculture, construction, and domestic work.

Sex trafficking: Women and girls are trafficked for sex, often under the guise of false job promises.

Child trafficking: Children are trafficked for various purposes, including forced labor, sex trafficking, and begging.

Organ harvesting: There have been reports of organ harvesting in Nigeria, with victims often being trafficked for this purpose.

High-Risk Groups: Certain groups, such as orphans, street children, and children from poor families, are more vulnerable to trafficking.

Nigeria’s ranking: Nigeria has been ranked as a Tier 2 Watch-list country by the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report.

Number of victims: According to estimates, about 21,000 Nigerian women and girls have been trafficked to Italy since 2015.

Trafficking Routes: Nigerian traffickers use various routes, including the Mediterranean Sea, to transport victims to Europe.

Health implications

Human trafficking has severe health implications, which includes the following:

Physical – Injuries and trauma Victims may suffer from physical abuse, leading to injuries, broken bones, and even death.

– Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Trafficked persons are at high risk of contracting STIs, including HIV/AIDS.

– Reproductive health issues: Forced pregnancies, miscarriages, and abortions can lead to reproductive health problems.

– Malnutrition and starvation: Victims may experience malnutrition and starvation due to inadequate food and poor living conditions.

– Physical disabilities: Trafficking can result in physical disabilities, either due to abuse or neglect.

Mental health implications:

– Anxiety and Depression: Victims often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders due to trauma and abuse.

– Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Trafficking survivors may develop PTSD, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors.

– Suicidal thoughts and attempts: The trauma and abuse can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts.

– Emotional distress: Victims may experience emotional distress, including feelings of /shame, guilt, and self-blame.

– Loss of identity: Trafficking can lead to a loss of identity, self-worth, and dignity.

– Other health implications:

– Substance abuse: Victims may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for trauma and abuse.

– Sleep disturbances: Trafficking survivors may experience sleep disturbances, including insomnia and nightmares.

– Chronic pain: Victims may experience chronic pain due to physical abuse or neglect.

– Infectious diseases: Trafficked persons are at risk of contracting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and malaria.

– Poor hygiene and sanitation: Victims may be forced to live in unsanitary conditions, leading to health problems.

Prevention

Preventing human trafficking requires a multi-faceted approach:

Awareness campaigns: Awareness campaigns can educate citizens about the risks of human trafficking.

Education: Education can empower citizens, particularly women and girls, to make informed decisions about their lives.

Economic opportunities: Providing economic opportunities can reduce poverty and unemployment, making citizens less vulnerable to traffickers.

Law enforcement: Strengthening law enforcement and judicial systems can help to prosecute traffickers and protect victims.

Victim Support: Providing ..

To be continued…

 

Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is CEO and Director of clinical psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult,Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos.

+234 803 402 4457