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The Link between Trafficking and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights - a Case Study of South Africa and Nigeria
Trafficking in persons is a global human rights challenge which preys upon the vulnerable for exploitation. Trafficked persons are exploited in different economic sectors and for various purposes, one of which is commercial sexual exploitation. This crime (trafficking for sexual exploitation) infringes on the right of autonomy of the victims with respect to their body. This right is known as sexual and reproductive health rights.
This paper, explores the interplay between trafficking and sexual and reproductive health by examining the definition and basic concepts in trafficking, and sexual and reproductive health. The paper also considers the current legal framework for the protection of these rights in the two countries , the root causes of trafficking in persons and status of the crime under international law. The paper further analyses the effect of trafficking on the sexual and reproductive health rights of the victims.
The paper concludes that trafficking in persons for commercial sexual exploitation has grave consequences on the sexual and reproductive health rights of the victims. The paper recommends domestication of all international treaties on human trafficking and sexual and reproductive health to ensure that each country has adequate legal framework to protect these rights. The paper further advocates for human right education to ensure that human rights of all are valued and respected.