The Smuggling of Migrants: A Case from the City of Shire Endasilass in Tigray Region
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2021-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
A.A.U
Abstract
In recent times the Tigray region has seen an increase in the number of migrants being smuggled into another country in search of better living standards. This thesis studies the smuggling of migrants from Shire Endasilasse city of the Tigray region. It focuses on understanding the factors for migration, the migratory routes, the costs incurred, the network of smugglers, and the protection risks faced by migrants. It further addresses the various measures taken by different stakeholders to stop irregular migration from the city. The study mainly employed a qualitative research methodology and used both primary and secondary sources of data. The study found that smugglers in the city use enticement to lure potential migrants. Migrants set out on a long and arduous journey where they are subjected to abuse, exploitation, and even death. Migrants from the study area take either the Eastern route to Saudi Arabia or the Northern route to Europe. They are often forced to pay additional sums of money to continue their journey and are physically tortured and sexually abused if they fail to do so. The study also found that there are various measures taken by local government officials to tackle the problem including awareness-raising activities, campaigns for the young population, and trying to capture and convict smugglers. The study also found a non-governmental organization working with returnee migrants that offers livelihood, psycho-social, and capacity-building support. The smuggling of migrants is a very pervasive and timely issue in the city of Shire Endasilasse which has and continues to expose the young population to suffering, exploitation, and human rights abuse, and needs the immediate attention and action of all stakeholders involved.
Description
Keywords
smuggling, trafficking in persons, migrants, illegal migration, Tigray