Swings of Sanctuary for Children Freed from the Clutches of Traffickers in the Heart of Niger

Zinder, Niger – Amid the arid landscapes of Zinder, a region in central-eastern Niger, a tale of resilience and transformation blossoms for 11-year-old Zara*. Her journey back home sheds light on the ongoing battle against child trafficking.

"My mom had sent me with a group of adults and children to go to Algeria and find a job. We were intercepted during the journey. I was scared, I thought we were being arrested, that we were going to be kidnapped to be hurt. I cried a lot," Zara recounts, her voice trembling with the memory.

Zara's mother, Soukeyna*, had sent her daughter away out of sheer desperation. "I sent her to Algeria to do small domestic chores to earn money and help us meet our needs, as we could barely feed ourselves," Soukeyna explains, her eyes heavy with the weight of their hardship.

According to a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than half of the child victims reported the involvement of friends and family in their recruitment into trafficking, especially where extreme poverty is common.

Kantche, Zara's hometown in the Zinder region, is a migration-prone area. Driven by large households, limited socio-economic opportunities, and a longstanding tradition of migration, many young people from this region are pressured to seek economic opportunities abroad. In this harsh reality, children like Zara often fall victim to traffickers, embarking on dangerous journeys that end in exploitation and suffering.

Ramatou Laouali, IOM’s Protection Assistant in Zinder, sheds light on the grim circumstances. "The cultural context and economic hardships faced by families push mothers to send their children to seek opportunities elsewhere. They hope that by finding work as domestic helpers in other towns or countries, their children can send money back home to support the family."

However, the reality is often far from these dreams. "These children, sent out into the unknown, find themselves abandoned and vulnerable to the ruthless networks of traffickers. Many are coerced into begging or forced into the harrowing world of prostitution. Girls are particularly at risk, while boys face greater threats of labour exploitation. In some places, they are even covered in sticky substances to attract flies, creating the illusion of severe illness to evoke sympathy and gain alms," Ramatou adds.

Zara's story takes a hopeful turn when she understands that the people who intercepted them were taking them to a safe place. "When we arrived at the centre, they took good care of me. The centre was nice; I ate well, wasn't thirsty, and we had swings that I played on a lot," Zara shares, a glimmer of a smile breaking through her sombre expression.

In Niger, the centre for victims of trafficking, opened in July 2019 and managed by the National Agency for the Fight against Trafficking in Persons and Illicit Migration (ANLTP) with support from IOM, has become a sanctuary for survivors like Zara. Here, they are offered protection, assistance, and the chance to reintegrate into their communities.

Alhassane Hamidou, Head of ANLTP’s Department of Communication and Public Relations, emphasizes Niger's commitment. "By establishing anti-trafficking structures within its legal framework, including the creation of the National Agency for the Fight against Trafficking in Persons, Niger has demonstrated its commitment to protecting the vulnerable and seeking justice for the survivors."

At the centre, a comprehensive range of support is available. Upon arrival, everyone is registered and given an interview to identify their specific needs. The dedicated social workers ensure that vital services, including medical and legal assistance, are provided, leaving no aspect of healing and recovery overlooked.

Children make up nearly 60 per cent of the centre’s population, finding refuge and a chance to heal before being reunited with their families. Engaging activities like reading sessions, stimulating games, and sports provide these young souls with moments of respite, allowing them to rediscover the joy and innocence often stolen from them.

"People who come to this centre are in a significant state of distress, and these activities allow them to regain a normal life and help them forget what they have endured along the way," says Alhassane Maiga, the centre’s manager.

Through the COMPASS initiative, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IOM has helped strengthen the capacity of ANLP staff at the centre. Comprehensive training programmes have developed their skills in caring for survivors of trafficking and managing the centre efficiently. Additionally, IOM actively contributes to the centre’s operations, ensuring that essential resources such as food, medical assistance, and non-food items are readily available.

The support extends beyond the centre’s walls. "We were given bags of corn, beans, rice, spaghetti, chicken stock cubes, and salt – food assistance and clothes for my daughter. If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t. I would never send my daughter again," Soukeyna admits, grateful for the aid that has changed their lives.

Furthermore, Soukeyna received a micro-grant, allowing her to support herself and meet her family's needs. ANLTP and IOM social workers also play a crucial role in reuniting families. Upon returning to their home communities, survivors and their families receive holistic support to address the root causes that led to migration in the first place. Parents are helped to develop sustainable economic activities, reducing the need to send their children away, while children gain access to education, receiving materials like pencils, pens, and clothing.

"I am happy to be back at school. I am in the bridging class where we learn to write, read, and study ethics, which happens to be my favourite subject!" Zara exclaims, her eyes shining with newfound hope.

Since 2021, the COMPASS initiative has been a lifeline for over 70,000 migrants worldwide. In 2023 alone, the centre for victims of trafficking has provided crucial assistance to 81 individuals, including 50 boys and 31 girls. Through these efforts, children like Zara are given the chance to reclaim their childhoods and build a future free from the scourge of trafficking.

*Names have been changed to protect their identity.

Written by Alexander Bee (consultant for IOM Niger) and edited by Aissatou Sy, Public Information Officer for IOM Niger