“Survivor’s Perceptions of Human Trafficking Rehabilitation Programs in Nigeria: Empowerment or Disempowerment” in Journal of Human Trafficking
While disagreements about the value of rehabilitation programs persist, these programs are still largely seen as essential for the protection of the human rights of survivors of human trafficking, and the facilitation of their recovery and empowerment after trafficking. Consequently, it is not surprising that rehabilitation programs are a core component of the Nigerian government’s anti-trafficking policies. However, only limited efforts have so far been directed at ascertaining the extent to which these rehabilitation programs result in the empowerment of survivors in Nigeria. To address this gap, this paper explores the extent to which survivors’ perceptions and experiences in the rehabilitation programs reflect the ideals of empowerment. Drawing on qualitative data, we show that the government’s conceptualization of human trafficking influences their collaborative rehabilitation efforts, and that such efforts seem to simultaneously empower and disempower survivors.The paper concludes by considering the policy implications in the African context.
Uwafiokun Idemudia is a Professor and Chair of York University’s Department of Social Science.
Other publications from this author include:
- “A club perspective of sustainability certification schemes in the tourism and hospitality industry” in Journal of Sustainable Tourism 28 (4) (2020)
- “Mining, the environment, and human rights in Ghana: An area of limited statehood perspective” in Business Strategy and Environment 29 (1) (2020)
- “Promoting Human Rights Responsibilities: The Experience in Ghana’s Gold Mining Industry” in Corporate Actors in Global Governance: Business as Usual or New Deal, 51-74 (2019)
- “Corporate social responsibility and development in Africa: Issues and possibilities,”in Geography Compass 8 (7) (2014)
- “Oil extraction and poverty reduction in the Niger Delta: A critical examination of partnership initiatives” in Journal of Business Ethics 90, 91-116. (2009)