a memoir
Tupa is devastated to learn of the suicide of an Indian man whom she has befriended in Dubai. In reality, his death is part of a much wider suicide epidemic among the city’s population of migrant workers, one that is particularly prevalent
It almost goes without saying that the most interesting and informative parts of the many discussions on human trafficking are the actual stories and experiences of the people themselves, particularly the victims and survivors of what is arguably the most heinous act
Tupa is from the Republic of Namibia in southwestern Africa. To better understand this remote and seemingly sleepy country and why something like human trafficking is a very real issue, one has to put aside idyllic images of its wildlife and desert
As a member of the Himba ethnic group, Tupa grew up in the remote Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia. The Himba are one of the most iconic people in Africa, and tourists flock to the region just to take photos of a
As Tupa’s story demonstrates, young girls often become vulnerable to something like human trafficking as a result of increasing pressures on their household and family. For the Himba, such pressures often stem from the power and influence of western environmental organizations and
Tupa was abducted in southern Angola just over the border with Namibia and the traditional territory of the Himba people. Over the years, Angola has become a hotspot for smuggling and trafficking of all kinds, threatening to resurrect a grim historical association
Southern Africa’s notorious Numbers Gangs are among the most feared criminal gangs on the continent. The 28’s in particular control a vast human trafficking network that would shock most people. But who are they? Here is an inside look into their hidden
Tupa’s story provides clues to the extent of Chinese involvement in human trafficking across Africa. In recent years, the Chinese have invested heavily in the continent and their presence is now ubiquitous. But is Africa’s growing dependency on Chinese aid causing it
During her ordeal, Tupa experienced a brutal and terrorizing witchcraft ordeal. While it is not always something you hear about, witchcraft and healing are a thriving industry in Africa. And it is clear that some trafficking rings are using it to indoctrinate individuals
While in South Sudan, Tupa encounters one of the most shameless aspects of modern day slavery: the trafficking of disabled children. Exploiting children with disabilities in this manner is part of East Africa’s lucrative begging industry. Contrary to appearances, begging is big
When she reaches her final destination in Dubai, Tupa is forced to take part in a sex trafficking ring catering to high level officials from the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations. This might sound shocking, but a closer look at the
In total desperation, Tupa contemplates selling one of her kidneys on Dubai’s black market in order to make some quick cash to return home. The trafficking of human organs may be a lesser known aspect of human trafficking more generally, but the
It seems impossible to think that a young girl from Namibia can be abducted and trafficked to Dubai. In many ways, however, it does not seem out of the ordinary for a place like Dubai, which seems intent on becoming the most
As Tupa’s experience illustrates, the domestic servant industry in Dubai is a perfect example of how human trafficking can occur right before our eyes without anyone ever knowing it. Throughout the world, forced labor is inextricably bound up with modern day slavery
While in Dubai, Tupa spends time in various locations and experiences the full range of living conditions for the region’s migrant workers – both male and female. Her story sheds light on what everyday life is like in Dubai’s infamous labor camps and