The Dark Side of Dubai - exhibition video exposes sex trafficking in Dubai

An exhibition by our sister organisation, the Send Them Home campaign, entitled “Stop Human Trafficking” is running until the 20th December 2023 at 59 Greek Street, London W1. 

The centrepiece of the exhibition is a 15 minute video about the work of the campaign rescuing and repatriating Nigerian women from the UAE. The video features interviews with Dr Fatima Waziri-Azi, Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Angus Thomas founder of Send Them Home and with many of the trafficking survivors rescued by the campaign.

The documentary “The Dark Side of Dubai” sheds light on the stark reality of human trafficking in Dubai, focusing on the tragic experiences of victims from West Africa. These women, lured by the false promise of employment in restaurants and shops, find themselves ensnared in a horrifying world of sexual exploitation. The film poignantly captures their stories of deception and despair, as they are stripped of their freedom, their passports, and any means of communication with their families back home.

The Dark Side of Dubai - A Film by Send Them Home

The film delves into the widespread prevalence of this issue, not just in Nigeria but across West Africa. Shockingly, it reveals that women often play a central role in trafficking, preying on the victims’ trust and aspirations for a better life. The victims’ narratives are heart-wrenching, as they describe the loss of their dignity and the cruel treatment they endure. Moreover, the documentary highlights a significant legal and societal problem: these victims of human trafficking are frequently treated as criminals, exacerbating their plight.

The documentary underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of human trafficking and the critical need for heightened community and stakeholder education and awareness. It’s a call to action, urging viewers to recognise and combat this hidden scourge in society.