Challenges With Dominant Perspective In Understanding Human And Sex Trafficking: Implication For Effective Intervention To The Problem In Nigeria

Human trafficking is seen as a universal problem which affects all parts of the world. The issue that is often problemitised especially among academics is the perspective adopted by state actors and non-state actors in conceptualizing and understanding this challenge. This paper therefore primarily looks at the attendant challenges inherent in the dominant perspective and understanding of human trafficking which invariably affects effective response approach to the problem. It also interrogates the emerging consequences of this preferred understanding by authorities both at the local source countries and Western destination countries (e.g. Europe) in tackling the problem. Preliminary conclusion from the discourse is that Western and indigenous understanding and responses leave much to be desired and raise questions of political biases and sentiments which potentially affect effective response to human trafficking. Essentially, criminalization, conflation of the practice with prostitution and an emphasis on border control for instance, may detract from understanding broader structural issues constraining migrants who may become victims or offenders.