here - Cooperazione Italiana allo Sviluppo

F O R E W O R D1. Objectives and start of the researchThe objectives of the research are within the framework of the project designedby UNICRI with the aim of sustaining and increasing the possibility of fightingagainst the phenomenon of trafficking and exploitation of minors and women inItaly coming from Nigeria.The research in this sense is part of a project, which not only aims atunderstanding, but is oriented towards the development of coherent and efficientactions in the fight against the criminals who manage such a phenomenon. It stemsfrom the fact that the efforts of understanding, while appearing very important,have a particular value, aimed at providing useful indications for the possibility todevelop action in the sector.The main objective of the research is that of collecting and organising theelements, which permit a better outline of the dynamics and routes of the traffic,the organisational procedures of the criminal management structure, and theconditions and needs of the victims. In this sense, the aim is to better focus, updateand thoroughly examine what is already known about the distinctive characteristicsof the traffic aimed at sexual exploitation which involves minors and women ofNigerian origin, with particular attention to those aspects nearest to possible action,whether towards hindering the organised crime which manages the traffic andexploitation, or for help to the victims, limiting the risks of reproducing theconditions which favour their involvement.According to the protocol of the assignment agreed upon between UNICRI andthe Department of Social Science, research was undertaken through:a) Interviews with officials of NGOs active in this area;b) Interviews with women and young girl victims of the traffic and exploitation;c) Judicial cases analysed through the relative court documents;d) Interviews (face to face) with Law Enforcement officers who operate atnational level or in some territorial spheres.The criteria for the choice of the subjects to be interviewed were the following:a) For the choice of official privileged witnesses of NGOs contacts were madewhere the presence of Nigerian women was greatest, and where a greater numberof organisations/institutions providing support existed.NGOs were identified operating in the following areas:Turin, NovaraMilan