Internal Child Trafficking: Experiences and Reunification with Family

Abstract

Human trafficking involves nearly every part of the world. It affects all regions and most countries of
the world. Though the Government of Ethiopia is attempting to eliminate trafficking, it does not sufficiently
address internal trafficking, including child sex trafficking. The purpose of this study was to
explore the experiences and unification of internally trafficked children in Metema Woreda. To achieve
this, a case study design was employed by taking five internally trafficked and reunified children and
one key informant from a non-governmental organization working on trafficking. Qualitative data were
collected through interview and narrative analysis was made accordingly. The results indicated that
internally trafficked children were physically and emotionally abused. They received advice and some
medical treatment in a temporary rehabilitation center before unifying them with their families. However,
the support was not adequate enough to enable victims of internal trafficking to recover from their
traumatic experiences. Therefore, child welfare and law enforcing institutions should give due emphasis
to internal child trafficking and offer psychosocial support before unifying them with their families.