Back to: Jss1 Social Studies (NVE)

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human trafficking involves the illegal transportation of individuals, mainly children and women, from their homes for the purpose of making them work as house helps or engaging them in the commercial sex trade both within their country and abroad. This act is a gross violation of human rights and dignity as it strips individuals of their freedom and forces them into a life of exploitation and abuse.

Factors Responsible for Trafficking in Children and Women

1. Worsening Economy: The economic difficulties have greatly contributed to the increase in the bad practice of trafficking children and women. This is due to the fact that individuals are searching for ways to make ends meet.
2. The desire for Wealth: The yearning for wealth and material possessions has led individuals to engage in the act of human trafficking. Some people have even viewed it as a business opportunity to quickly make money.
3. Lack of Resources: Poverty refers to an individual’s inability to provide their family with the basic necessities of life. This situation has pushed many individuals to hand over their children to traffickers, as they believe that the income generated from the children will improve their standard of living.
4. Joblessness: The worsening economy has caused many people to lose their jobs, and the unemployed, as well as fresh graduates who are qualified to work, are now resorting to trafficking in children and women.
5. Social Influence: Some people have been introduced to the evil practice of trafficking by their friends, who view it as a lucrative business opportunity.
6. Greed: Those who are satisfied with their income often fall prey to traffickers, mainly because of their greed. They desire to be as wealthy as others
7. Lack of Education: Individuals who are uneducated or have limited knowledge about the dangers of trafficking are more likely to fall prey to traffickers. They may not understand the consequences of their actions or the harm they are causing to others.
8. Corruption: Corruption at various levels of government and law enforcement has made it easier for traffickers to operate and carry out their activities. It has also made it more difficult for victims to seek help and for authorities to bring traffickers to justice.
9. Natural Disasters: Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods can lead to widespread displacement and chaos, making individuals and communities more vulnerable to trafficking. In these situations, traffickers may prey on individuals who are looking for shelter, food, and other basic necessities.
10. Cultural Beliefs: In some cultures, there is a belief that it is acceptable to sell children into servitude or forced labour. This belief, coupled with poverty and lack of education, makes individuals and communities more vulnerable to trafficking.
11. Political Instability: Political instability and conflict can create chaos and displacement, making individuals and communities more vulnerable to trafficking. In these situations, traffickers may prey on individuals who are looking for safety and stability and may use their vulnerability to exploit them.

Consequences of Trafficking in Children and Women

Human trafficking also referred to as “modern-day slavery,” is a heinous crime that causes immense harm to individuals. It is a violation of national and international laws and has far-reaching consequences. Some of the negative effects of human trafficking include:

1. Premature Mortality: Children and women who are trafficked are at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, which can ultimately lead to their death.
2. Unintended Pregnancies: If a girl or woman is subjected to rape, it can result in unintended pregnancy or the birth of an unwanted child.
3. Stifling of Children’s Potential: Trafficking of children and women often prevents them from participating and contributing to the development of society.
4. Psychological Scarring: Children and women who are subjected to menial jobs and sexual harassment or abuse can suffer from psychological trauma.
5. Hindrance to Child Development: The physical and mental growth of children can be hindered or stunted due to malnutrition and lack of care from those they are serving.

Others Include 

6. It results in premature mortality.
7. It can result in unplanned or unintended pregnancy.
8. It undermines a child’s natural drive and motivation.
9. It causes psychological distress and emotional scars.
10. It impedes a child’s physical and mental development.
11. It tarnishes the reputation and image of a nation.
12. It contributes to the prevalence of sexual assault and misconduct.
13. It increases the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.
14. It constitutes a breach of human rights.
15. It leads to a rise in the rate of illiteracy, diminishing the level of education in a population.

Preventive Measures

1. Severe Sanctions: The law should be crafted in a manner that those caught engaging in the act will face severe consequences.
2. Mandatory Education: Education should be made compulsory for all children until a certain age.
3. Adequate Legislation: The national legislature should create laws that will prevent or completely eradicate the human trafficking of children and women.
4. Strict Border Security: Military and paramilitary forces should be stationed at the border to apprehend those involved in human trafficking.
5. Enhancement of the Economy: The government should implement and initiate policies that will boost the economy.
6. Adequate Upbringing of Children: Parents should instil positive values in their children so that they can carry them into adulthood.
7. Public Awareness Campaigns: The general public should be made aware of the reasons why they should not participate in human trafficking.

Others include:

8. Severe sanctions
9. Mandatory education
10. Adequate legislation
11. Public awareness campaigns
12. Strict border security
13. The syllabus
14. Enhancement of the economy
15. The adequate upbringing of children