Life after trafficking: reintegration experiences of human trafficking survivors in Nigeria

Uwafiokun Idemudia,Nnenna Okoli,Sylvia Bawa,Mary Goitom

doi:10.1108/ijmhsc-03-2021-0023

Uwafiokun Idemudia, Nnenna Okoli + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmhsc-03-2021-0023

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Abstract

Purpose Reintegration programs have emerged as part of the regimes of care for survivors of human trafficking. However, empirical analysis of the reintegration outcomes for survivors remains limited in the African context. Hence, this paper aims to examine the challenges and opportunities of reintegration assistance programs for survivors of human trafficking in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on qualitative methods of data collection and analysis, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with repatriated women who have accessed reintegration assistance in Nigeria, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings The findings suggest that while the reintegration programs might address the procedural aspect of reintegration, the achievement of substantive reintegration remains incomplete. This is because of the structural conditions of the context within which reintegration is supposed to occur. Practical implications There is a need to take seriously the distinction between the reintegration of survivors into a new community or a former community in the design of a regime of care for survivors of human trafficking in Africa. Crucially, the focus on procedural reintegration should not also divert attention away from the structural conditions and reforms needed to ensure survivors achieve substantive reintegration. Originality/value This paper contributes to the limited literature on life after trafficking and demonstrates the strengths and limitations of reintegration programs as a regime of care for survivors of human trafficking. In addition, this study empirically grounded the theoretical distinction between different aspects of the process of reintegration.

Highlights

Human trafficking is a multifaceted transnational phenomenon that is estimated to affect millions of people globally (USDOS, 2018)
While reintegration programs seem to have provided some opportunities for procedural reintegration through the delivery of useful reintegration assistance services, the achievement of substantive reintegration appears to be largely incomplete
Most of our respondents acknowledged the positive contributions that the reintegration programs made to their life after trafficking but given that a majority continue to experience the same kind of challenges they faced before trafficking; the prospect of re-trafficking remains high

Summary

Introduction

Human trafficking is a multifaceted transnational phenomenon that is estimated to affect millions of people globally (USDOS, 2018). It involves the gross exploitation and violation of trafficked persons’ dignity, autonomy, security and rights that are protected under international human rights laws (Rijken, 2009). Victims of human trafficking tend to experience physical, emotional and psychological trauma long after trafficking. Implicit here is the need for the regime of care provided to survivors to shift emphasis from just recovery to include reintegration of survivors (StephenSmith, 2007; Besrup, 2016). Reintegration assistance typically entails the provision of services relevant to the physical, psychological, economic and social recovery of human trafficking survivors (Amadasun, 2020). The fundamental objective of these protection services is to strategically position (Information about the authors can be found at the end of this article.)

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