Trafficking of Nigerian Women and Young Girls for Sex Trade and Forced Servitude in Europe

Abstract

Human trafficking is endemic and a serious global problem. It is a multidimensional human rights violation that centers on the act of sex exploitation, profit making, physical and psychological harm to victims. Apart from that, trafficking in persons is a lucrative business and recent data shows that human trafficking is a $32billion industry. Statistics have shown that as many as 3 million people are trafficked and enslaved annually mainly in Europe. Without prevarication, human trafficking is a clandestine in nature and victims are sexually exploited, physically assaulted, forcefully enslaved and maltreated. Unfortunately, it has serious socio-cultural and human rights implications, and health related problems. Nigeria is a country of origin, destination, recruitment, transit and Italy, Netherlands, Spain and France are receiving and destination countries. Surprisingly, the Nigerian government has not done enough to eradicate the phenomenon. This paper therefore articulates the insidious nature of human trafficking and the harrowing experiences of Nigeria women and young girls in Europe. The work is important because it made germane recommendations and provided ways on how affected countries like Nigeria and Italy can handle and manage the menace effectively and socially. For example, the problem of trafficking of Nigerian women and young girls for sex trade and forced labour in Europe is not only demeaning but also a violation of victim’s right to life and freedom of movement.  To illuminate the problem, the paper highlights the push and pulls effects and the human rights implications victims experienced. The paper argued that the Nigerian government is not doing enough to eradicate the trafficking of Nigeria women for sexual exploitation and forced labour in Europe. The paper concludes with germane suggestions and recommendations on how best to mitigate the problem of human trafficking not only in Nigeria but also in some European countries.

Keywords:Human trafficking and its root Causes, Socio-cultural implications, and failure of Nigerian government.

DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/73-03

Publication date:June 30^th 2021