Globalization and the Commercialization of Humanity: The State, Trafficking in Persons and Human Rights Challenges in Africa

The ¡®commercialization of humanity¡¯ is a phenomenon inextricably tied to the geopolitical transformations of the last two decades, occasioned by the increasing connectivity and interdependence of the global market. Trafficking may also be viewed in the broader framework of rebalancing the micro-economic gaps which characterize globalization. Example, uneven distribution of wealth and lack of opportunity accompanied by unemployment push individuals to areas where there is demand for their labour. However, the global concern about the entire scenario of trafficking emerges from its links with human rights and globalization. This study will suggest that the ability of the States in Africa to control human trafficking and enforce human rights is a function of the States¡¯ total capacity to control crime, maintain peace and security, and ensure good governance. And in all of these contexts, African states are lacking. The receiving end, i.e the recipients of trafficking, lies outside the theatres, and thus is not in control. Existing models for explaining trafficking are overly rudimentary. This research represents an attempt to bring the diverse elements of trafficking together to approximate a description of actual trafficking organization. In addition, the paper will discuss the character of the State in Africa to explain why trafficking and human rights violation may continue for some time to come.