Trafficking and the number of organisations working to stop it is gaining prominence in Africa. This special issue of the Global Alliance against Trafficking in Women newsletter focuses specifically on Africa. The authors provide some contextual information on trafficking and labour migration as well as highlight the initiatives of organisations working on those issues in the region. A broad range of topics are covered in the form of briefs, essays and interviews.
A recurring theme is the need for better human rights protection and assistance for trafficked women, migrant women and sex workers in many African countries of origin and in countries of destination. Also the authors highlight the need for much more information and more comprehensive research in the area. The document discusses anti-trafficking policies in Nigeria and gives an overview of regional protections for trafficked persons in Africa and spaces for regional advocacy. A review is provided of migration, labour exploitation and trafficking patterns in Africa and the human rights protection of trafficked women during the reintegration phase in Nigeria is discussed. Additional areas covered include:
- child trafficking in southern Africa
- popular media aims to put human trafficking in a jam
- rethinking the chocolate campaign
- investigating forced labour and trafficking: do they exist in Zambia?