EUROPE/ITALY - The number of Nigerian women destined for sexual slavery has tripled

Monday, 10 November 2014

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in a statement sent to Agenzia Fides, denounces an increase of 300% of women potential victims of trafficking in prostitution. "In 2014, 16,839 women have arrived in Italy, while in the same period of 2013 they were 5,163", explained the Head of Mission of IOM office, "we have noticed in particular a significant increase in young girls from Nigeria: 1,290, approximately 300 % more than the 392 who arrived last year. "The organization this year has formed two "anti-trafficking" groups active in Sicily and Puglia, with the aim to strengthen the detection and identification of victims of exploitation. They come into contact with the girls immediately after landing at the port of arrival in order to inform them about their rights before they can be approached by any of their exploiters. Normally they are lured in their countries of origin with the promise of finding a job in Italy. But already during the journey they find themselves in a state of semi-slavery and are forced into prostitution and are raped during the trip. In addition, before leaving many of them, must undergo a voodoo ceremony, during which they must swear to return the money "offered" for the trip. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 10/11/2014)


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