ABSTRACT
Human trafficking, a problem of human rights violation has emerged as a pressing global issue, with significant implications for international relations. This study focuses on the specific case of human trafficking in Edo State, Nigeria, and its impact on the country's international relations. This study examined the implications of human trafficking on Nigeria’s reputation, it also ascertained the implications on the diplomatic relations of Nigeria with other countries and assessed the effect on Nigeria’s economic relations. This study adopted qualitative methods of data collection and analysis using primary and secondary data. A total of 377 questionnaires were distributed to scholars of International Relations in Edo State, and a combination of online and in-person interviews was conducted among four lecturers of International Relations and a NAPTIP agent. The findings of the study revealed that Human trafficking has dented Nigeria’s image in the international community of states, it has an effect on diplomatic relations between Nigeria and other actors in the international system, and finally, it could affect the economic relations of Nigeria with other countries, and also affect the internal economy of the country.
This study recommends that strict laws should be passed to punish offenders of human trafficking, critical monitoring of the agencies established to fight against human trafficking, and awareness campaigns to sensitise vulnerable populations to the dangers of human trafficking.
Keywords: Human trafficking, Human rights, Human rights violation, International relations, diplomatic relations, economic relations.
