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Home»GSDRC Publications»GESI Dimensions of Human Smuggling and Trafficking in East Africa

GESI Dimensions of Human Smuggling and Trafficking in East Africa

Helpdesk Report
  • Iffat Idris
January 2026

Question

What are the gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) dimensions of human smuggling and trafficking in East Africa?

Summary

This K4DD Rapid Evidence Review looks at the gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) dimensions of human smuggling and trafficking in five countries in East Africa: Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan (in their role as source countries), and Kenya (as a transit/destination country).

It finds consistent evidence that women/girls and refugees/IDPs, in particular, as well as diverse minority groups, face greater risks in migration and are more vulnerable to trafficking. The review draws on a mixture of academic and grey literature, as well as (for very recent developments) media reports.

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Suggested citation

Idris, I. (2026). GESI Dimensions of Human Smuggling and Trafficking in East Africa. K4DD Rapid Evidence Review 354. Institute of Development Studies. DOI: 10.19088/K4DD.2026.024

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Outputs supported by DFID are © DFID Crown Copyright 2026; outputs supported by the Australian Government are © Australian Government 2026; and outputs supported by the European Commission are © European Union 2026

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