For many young African refugees, Ethiopia is just the first stop along their journey. However, with each successive onward migration comes a heightened risk of human trafficking.
“When they come to Ethiopia, they hope for something, something better,” said Birknesh Gobena, education and youth development coordinator for Jesuit Refugee Service (J.R.S.) in Ethiopia. “When they don’t see that thing, then they try to migrate. This trafficking or secondary movement is a risk.”
J.R.S. in Ethiopia works with urban refugees, providing counseling, education and other practical assistance. Its programs and training, supported by CNEWA, help to reduce this risk and protect youth from being trafficked.
“If you address their problem in a systematic and a sustainable way, long term, can minimize the problem,” said Solomon Bizualem, Ethiopia country director for J.R.S.
Hear from Mr. Bizualem and Ms. Gobena in this video. Then, read more about the drivers of the migration crisis in the Horn of Africa and the efforts to stem this problem in “Drawn by Illusion,” featured in ONE magazine.