Nigeria

Structural violence and socio-economic problems like unemployment and poverty foster violent encounters. Security forces, militias as well as other armed forces are involved in violation of human rights. Freedom of free speech as well as freedom of religion are limited. Human trafficking (for prostitution) as well as forced labour occur regularly. Switzerland and Nigeria have a Migration Partnership: this includes a fast track procedure for Nigerian applicants as well as the possibility of forced returns. Asylum applicants from Nigeria have a very low chance of getting asylum.

Women: women are often victims of forced marriage, forced prostitution and forced labour within and outside of Nigeria. Society often stigmatizes victims of sexual violence and sexual offences hardly get persecuted. Particularly vulnerable in some parts of Nigeria are widows: in ceremonies, widows are ritually abused by male relatives, they are not allowed to leave the house anymore or they become property of their husband’s family.

Children: child prostitution, child labour are widespread in Nigeria. Especially in the north, parents send their children (so called Almajirai) to learn and stay with Muslim scholars. However, most of them work as working slaves or beggars.

Human trafficking: most of the victims are trafficked for prostitution and forced labour. The trafficking is often based on a pact between the victim and a sponsor or madam who financed the journey. The victims get into high debts and are risking stigmatization by their families and revenge by the sponsor/madam when they return.

Homosexuality: victims face up to 14 years in prison.

Practical advice:

• Be cautious when addressing issues such as sexual harassment, prostitution or trafficking. Those are very sensitive topics and the victims might have difficulties to speak about them. Explain however, that such cases might be important for the interview and that very personal questions can be asked.

• Try to motivate the client to talk about issues such as abuse or trafficking, even though it may be tough. Note that chances for a positive decision are rather low otherwise.