Research has shown that Sudan's armed conflict, which began in April 2023, has created a breeding ground for human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The conflict has severely disrupted Sudan's infrastructure and security, leaving the country vulnerable to organized crime.
The study reveals that human trafficking and migrant smuggling have become widespread, driven by the conflict and worsened by the collapse of state institutions and the lack of legal protections. As a result, Sudan has transformed from a transit point for irregular migration to a source and destination country. Escalating internal displacement, poverty, loss of basic services, and inadequate border controls have put large parts of the population, particularly women and children, in harm's way, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
Through interviews with victims and
their families, the research sheds light on various forms of human trafficking,
including sexual exploitation, forced labor, child recruitment, forced
marriage, and exploitation along smuggling routes.