Victimized and Forgotten: Examining The Nature and Human Rights Implication of Nigeria’s Sex-Trafficking Ring

Abstract

Human trafficking involving the use of Nigerian women for sexual exploitation is not a new phenomenon. However, it is escalating at an unprecedented scale with severe implications on the human rights and psycho-social wellbeing of the victims. Poignantly, the crime has not received sufficient attention from the Nigerian government. As such, the many women and girls trapped in the cycle of the crime are being victimized and forgotten. This paper examines the nature and human rights implications of Nigeria’s sex trafficking ring. The discussion is informed by an assessment of how the Nigerian state is applying its legal mechanisms and utilizing the international conventions and protocols on human trafficking to address the sex crime and respond to the plights of the victims.