Understanding Human Trafficking from Nigeria to the UK: A Comprehensive Profile
This study explores trafficking patterns from Nigeria to the UK, highlighting the experiences of trafficked individuals, the role of traffickers, and systemic challenges. Through life-history interviews with 40 victims and insights from stakeholders, it reveals the hidden nature of exploitation, particularly in domestic work and sexual exploitation. Key findings underscore the vulnerabilities of trafficked individuals, the networks involved in trafficking, and the need for effective policy and prevention strategies at both local and international levels.
Understanding Human Trafficking from Nigeria to the UK: A Comprehensive Profile
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Presentation Transcript
Beyond Borders A profile of trafficking to the UK from Nigeria Jenny Pennington: Researcher IPPR
Overview • Background • The research study • Profile of trafficking, trafficked people, traffickers, wider pop. • Lessons for policy
Background to the study • Identification that this was a significant issue • Concerns about the response • Commitment to preventative approach • Research and policy gaps
The study • Carried out in partnership with Eaves and the dRPC • Life-history interviews with forty people who had been trafficked from Nigeria to the UK • Interviews with stakeholders in Nigeria and the UK • Representative poll of the Nigerian population n=1098
Profile of trafficking • Journey: directly to the UK (not overland or via EU) • Type: indistinct, domestic work and sexual exploitation • Location: ‘Hidden’: exploitation in private homes, hotels Trafficked as child Trafficked as adult
Profile of trafficked people • Female: 39 women and one man • Young: average of 19 y/o • Locally concentrated: Southern Nigeria, also Abuja and Sokoto • Particularly vulnerable group: • Childhood vulnerability: 38% orphaned, 70% grew up outside family • Gender based violence: 33% sexual assault, 15% forced marriage • Experienced trafficking as a continuation of abuse and disempowerment: • 28% internally trafficked before leaving for Europe • 80% played no part in ‘decision’
Profile of traffickers • Familiarity between traffickers and trafficked people • Few long strings, evidence of networks • Involvement of parents, churches, community leaders, border guards • Linked • Recruiter known to their community, (family member or friend). Often passed on to different exploiter • 16 • Direct • Known to the victim directly, a family member or family friend. Recruited and exploited by same trafficker • 14 • Stranger • Not known to victim or their community • 10
Awareness among wider population • Awareness of trafficking is high: 78% had heard of the term ‘trafficking in persons’, 59% felt they knew what it meant • High sense of personal resilience: 34% agreed that it was ‘easy to live a good life in Europe’, 36% disagreed but felt it was ‘worth travelling to Europe despite risks’, 60% of parents ‘would send their child to Europe if offered the opportunity’
Lessons for policy Addressing trafficking in Nigeria • Acknowledge the broad dynamics of trafficking • Recognise the limits of awareness raising • Provide protection from violence and take action on child protection Addressing trafficking in the UK • Target abuse rather than networks Addressing trafficking transnationally • Take initial steps through building a shared understanding • Act local not international
Lessons for policy Addressing trafficking in Nigeria • Review DfID plans, fund refuge accommodation, support training on child protection • Awareness campaigns that target communities Addressing trafficking in the UK • Appoint local champions • Re-establish domestic worker route Addressing trafficking transnationally • Clarify the role of NAPTIP – coordinate, not reintegration • Appoint independent rapporteur