SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN SUDAN

Nasreldin Atiya Rahamtalla

Department of Economics,

Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria

Email:nasratiya@gmail.com

Abstract

Human trafficking is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. It is the fastest- growing illicit industry in the world. This paper attempts to shed light on the socio-economic aspects of human trafficking in the Republic of Sudan. The paper relies heavily on secondary data from textbooks, journals, papers, studies conducted by researchers and websites..  The paper finds that common and structural causes of human trafficking include domestic and national violence, lack of human rights, poverty, cultural oppression, lack of opportunity, lawlessness, social instability, military conflict, natural disasters, weak law enforcement and racial and gender biases. Sudan is a source, gateway and destination of human trafficking. As a result of human trafficking, poverty, unemployment, and inequality are all increasing. Trafficking in persons results in loss of human resources and reductions in tax revenue. Further, trafficking in persons redirects the financial benefits of migration from migrants, their families, community and government to traffickers and their associates. Victims of human trafficking are deprived of a family life and cut off from normal social activities for a prolonged period and the stigma the society puts on them tends to delay their progress. It is recommended that, all members of society including native administration should be involved to fight and eliminate human trafficking. It is important to prevent child soldiers and criminalize child prostitution and anti-trafficking law needs to be amended. Capacity of law enforcement authorities should be built and awareness campaigns are to be organized. Intensive poverty programs including provision of basic services such as water, sanitation, health, education, etc. are highly needed.