Photo credit: Wibw
Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar enterprise, and it’s one of the fastest-growing illicit industries in the world. Each year, the U.N. marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which falls on July 30 this year, to help raise awareness.
The US Department, which investigates countries for its annual Trafficking in Person report, has classified 46 countries as Tier 3 from 2011 to 2018. Tier 3 is the lowest rankings for countries that are not fully meeting the minimum standards set out in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and are not making any significant step to do so.
1. Equatorial Guinea
It has been on the Tier 3 list from 2011 to 2018. Most women and young girls in Equatorial Guinea are vulnerable to sex trafficking. The country is also a destination for victims who may be vulnerable to forced labor. Most victims of trafficking are exploited in cities such as Bata, Malabo, and Mongomo, which are a bit advanced and attractive for migrants. Foreign and local women are exploited sexually while men are forced to work in oil mines.
Photo Credit: Apics
2. Eritrea
Eritrea is a major source of trafficked men, women, and children. The trafficking victims are subjected to forced labor. Thousands of Eritreans who have fled their country in search of better living conditions and economic opportunities has provided opportunities for human traffickers. The government of Eritrea also requires persons between 18 and 40 years to take part in forced labor as part of national service for at least 18 months.
3. North Korea
North Korea is a source country for victims who are subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor. Within the country, forced labor is part of political repression and one of the pillars of the economic system. The citizens are subjected to forced labor through assigned work. Approximately 120,000 people are held in camps, with most of the prisoners charged with no crime. The government's oppression has forced thousands to flee the country, making them vulnerable to trafficking.
4. Russia
Over 5 million migrants in Russia are working in conditions of slavery in factories and as public drivers. These workers are vulnerable to sex trafficking and forced labor. The entry of migrants into the country is facilitated by the Russian officials and Russia has not done much to protect against human trafficking.
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5. Libya
Libya is a destination and transit country for trafficked persons, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa. It is also a source country for Libyan children subjected to an armed militia within the country. These armed militias recruit and use children as young as below 18 years old.
6. Central African Republic
CAR is both a source and transit for persons, especially children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor. Most victims of human trafficking in the Central African Republic are citizens exploited within the country. Other victims are transported to neighboring countries such as Nigeria, DRC, Chad, and Cameroon. The political instability and displacement of over one million people have increased the vulnerability of children, men, and women to trafficking.
7. Mauritania
The majority of the people subjected to slavery practices in Mauritania are children and adults from the Afro-Mauritanian and Black Moor communities. The victims are forced to work without pay. Mauritanian girls and women who are recruited by foreign agencies as domestic workers are often subjected to sex trafficking in the Gulf and Saudi Arabia. Some are forced into marriages by travel agencies and brokers both in the country and in the Middle East.
Other countries worthy of Mention include; China, India, Myanmar, Algeria, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, Iran, Zimbabwe, Kuwait, and Guinea-Bissau among others.
You’ve got to be very careful if you find yourself in these countries or you’re being offered free visas there, it just could be a trap. Comment below, Like and Share to inform someone else out there.
