A dark, gritty illustration depicting the dangers of human trafficking across borders.

Human Trafficking's Dark Web: How State Policies Fuel the Crisis

Rhea Morgan in Law & Justice August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unintended Consequences: Exploring the link between migration policies and human trafficking in Eastern Sudan."

Human trafficking stands as one of the most pervasive transnational crimes, deeply entrenched in today's world. Despite increasing awareness, effectively combating it remains challenging due to overlooked factors and intricate dynamics. Addressing this issue requires understanding the root causes, the complex nature of the crime, and the roles of both victims and perpetrators within the clandestine network.

Traditionally, poverty has been highlighted as a primary driver of both human trafficking and smuggling, particularly involving women and children exploited for labor and economic opportunities. This perspective has led to a focus on poverty reduction as a key strategy to combat these crimes. However, this overlooks how state actions can exacerbate the problem.

In recent years, Eastern Sudan has emerged as a focal point for a new form of human trafficking: the abduction of refugees for exploitation in the Sinai Peninsula. This development underscores the connection between restrictive state migration policies, the business of human trafficking, and the transformation of smugglers into traffickers. This article aims to shed light on these networks, address gaps in our understanding, and highlight the experiences of victims affected by these policies.

The Vicious Cycle: How Border Control Can Backfire?

A dark, gritty illustration depicting the dangers of human trafficking across borders.

The paper argues that irregular migration and human trafficking are not isolated problems, but are instead symptoms of political and legal failures by both the countries of origin and the destination countries. These crises are often born out of state-imposed human insecurities and strict border and asylum policies.

Attempts to address these problems solely through stricter border control and legal measures against irregular migrants and traffickers are likely to fail. They do not affect the underlying demand for the services of traffickers. Ironically, some EU states, in their efforts to combat human trafficking, have over-criminalized smugglers and provided financial aid to oppressive governments. Ostensibly, this is in the name of poverty eradication, which only sustains the very conditions that lead to migration and trafficking.

Oppressive policies: The Eritrean government's 'no-exit' policy, coupled with a 'shoot-to-kill' approach at the border, compels citizens to rely on smugglers due to the absence of legal avenues for leaving.
Exploitation by necessity: As clandestine actors become the only means to evade militarized zones, their services are essential for those seeking freedom and protection.
Increased risks: The criminalization of human smugglers also deters altruistic individuals and family members from helping asylum seekers, further increasing the risks and costs of crossing borders.

The surge in human trafficking and smuggling of asylum seekers from Eastern Sudan can be attributed to Eritrea's oppressive government and tightly controlled borders. These policies, originally intended to confine the population, have inadvertently fueled the trafficking business. Furthermore, the hostile treatment of refugees in transit and countries of first asylum—aimed at deterring further arrivals—creates an environment of fear and insecurity, exacerbating the problem.

Toward Solutions: Addressing the Root Causes

To effectively combat human trafficking, it's essential to tackle the underlying factors that drive individuals to seek desperate measures for safety and opportunity. This includes addressing oppressive regimes, re-evaluating restrictive border policies, and prioritizing the rights and protection of asylum seekers. Legalizing immigration channels, adopting flexible migration policies, and international cooperation are crucial steps in diminishing the market for human smugglers and protecting vulnerable populations.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5901/ajis.2016.v5n1p215, Alternate LINK

Title: Human Trafficking And Human Smuggling To And From Eastern Sudan: Intended And Unintended Consequences Of States’ Policies

Subject: Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous)

Journal: Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Publisher: Richtmann Publishing

Authors: Y. Malk Bahlbi

Published: 2016-03-10

Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary driver of human trafficking, and how do state policies play a role?

Traditionally, poverty has been identified as a major driver of both human trafficking and smuggling, particularly involving women and children seeking labor and economic opportunities. However, the context shows how state actions can exacerbate the issue. Restrictive state migration policies and actions, such as the Eritrean government's 'no-exit' policy and the 'shoot-to-kill' approach at the border, compel citizens to rely on smugglers. This inadvertently fuels the trafficking business by creating a demand for clandestine services.

How do restrictive border policies contribute to the transformation of smugglers into traffickers?

Strict border controls and legal measures against irregular migrants and traffickers do not address the fundamental demand for the services of traffickers. When governments implement oppressive policies like the Eritrean government's 'no-exit' policy, individuals are forced to rely on smugglers to leave. As a result, smugglers, initially providing a service, can transform into traffickers who exploit vulnerable individuals, especially in areas like the Sinai Peninsula.

What are the unintended consequences of combating human trafficking through stricter measures?

Some EU states' efforts to combat human trafficking, like over-criminalizing smugglers and providing financial aid to oppressive governments, often backfire. These actions, ostensibly for poverty eradication, sustain conditions that lead to migration and trafficking. Furthermore, the criminalization of human smugglers deters altruistic individuals, thereby increasing the risks and costs of crossing borders. This hostile environment further fuels the demand for clandestine services and increases the vulnerability of those seeking refuge.

What specific actions by the Eritrean government contribute to human trafficking?

The Eritrean government's 'no-exit' policy and 'shoot-to-kill' approach at the border are significant contributors to human trafficking. The 'no-exit' policy, coupled with militarized borders, forces Eritrean citizens to rely on smugglers to leave the country. This, in turn, has fueled the trafficking business. Moreover, the hostile treatment of refugees in transit and countries of first asylum exacerbates the problem, creating an environment of fear and insecurity.

What are the recommended solutions to effectively combat human trafficking from Eastern Sudan?

To combat human trafficking effectively, it's essential to address the underlying factors that drive individuals to seek desperate measures. This includes tackling oppressive regimes, re-evaluating restrictive border policies, and prioritizing the rights and protection of asylum seekers. Legalizing immigration channels, adopting flexible migration policies, and fostering international cooperation are also crucial steps in diminishing the market for human smugglers and protecting vulnerable populations.