The Smuggling of Migrants: A Case From the City of Shire Endasilasse in Tigray Region
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Date
2021-01
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Addis Ababa University,
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.
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Keywords
smuggling, trafficking in persons, migrants, illegal migration, Tigray