| dc.description.abstract | Abstract
This study aims to investigate local perceptions about human trafficking in Sudan among migrants who want to travel to Libyan and Europe. The study falls within the domain of qualitative research, with primary data from interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with different stakeholders, mainly government-responsible authorities, smugglers, brokers, members of the local communities in the crossing areas, and victims of human trafficking. The secondary data for the research includes reports, scientific research, and studies on human trafficking in this area. The study reveals that Sudan receives a regular influx of refugees and economic immigrants, mainly from East Africa (Ethiopia, Eretria, and Somali), for a variety of different reasons and aiming at a variety of destinations. Different types of human trafficking occur, including exploitation and abuse along migration routes used between Sudan and Libya. The (IOM) estimations show that (66-77%) of migrants along routes have experienced either work without payment, forced labor, being held against their will, or being targeted for an arranged marriage. We argue that the political and economic factors at play in this area, fostered by uncontrollable borders, have made Sudan a source of migration, human smuggling, and trafficking to Libya and transit to Europe. Migrants being smuggled through Northern State and North Darfur, especially women and children, are exposed to different types of human trafficking and grave protection risks. Migrants are smuggled to Libya through different paths with differing motives and destinations, and the majority of youth seek transit Libya to Europe. We argue that irregular migration including human smuggling and trafficking will increase in the near future, due to the eruption and escalation of the April 15th war in Sudan. The paper offers insights into the perceptions of different groups on human trafficking, addresses the key challenges of combating human traffic | |
