Migration is a natural phenomenon but the growing global challenges and the exodus of people from their homelands in search of greener pastures has resulted in the escalating rate of human trafficking and irregular migration.
The insidious global crime disproportionately affects women and children at a rate of 71% compared to men (21%).
The syndicates and individuals behind the lucrative crime of sourcing and sending “people cargo” take advantage of vulnerable, desperate, poor, displaced and marginalised persons simply seeking a better life.
Today, technology and the digitalisation of the world has created a borderless network for this dehumanising and exploitative underworld enterprise which operates within the shadows of communities, businesses and governments.
And it is very disheartening because technology, in a way, enabled us to come together and continue to connect during the pandemic. This has also allowed for victims to come forward to share their stories in order to discourage others.
As we observe World Day Against Trafficking In Persons, statistics indicate an increase in human trafficking which has been exacerbated by the pandemic as millions of innocent people looking for a better standard of living are reduced to a commodity at the hands of their perpetrators.
In continuation of our podcast series on the 'Japa Syndrome,' this episode of Thinking Reimagined®️ invites Mrs. Comfort Agboko (Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Lagos Zonal Command), Jerry Adelu (Entrepreneur, Migrant Returnee), Chylian Azuh (Founder, Female Return Migrant Network), Dr. Ama (Founder, Allied Empowerment®️ & Live Abundantly®️) and Nifemi Oguntoye (Moderator) to offer further insights into the push factors for emigration, the trauma as well as viable solutions to mitigate the factors driving the Japa Syndrome, irregular migration and human trafficking which have been fuelled by insecurity, poverty, economic stagnation, climate change but driven by the desire to Live Abundantly®️
