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Africa's Illegal Organ Trade
The illegal organ trade in Africa is a lucrative and dangerous business preying on the poor and vulnerable. This report explores the scope of this crime, its drivers, and the players involved.
Croatian
Germany
Human RightsAfricaCrimePovertyOrgan Trade
Global Financial Integrity (Gfi)National Hospital KenyattaWorld Health Organization (Who)United Nations Office On Drugs And Crime (Unodc)European Parliament
Frank TietieWillis OkumuIkea Ekweremadu
- What is the scale and impact of the illegal organ trade in Africa?
- The illegal organ trade in Africa is a massive problem, exploiting the poorest and most vulnerable populations. Lack of effective laws and high demand fuel this criminal enterprise, resulting in significant profits for traffickers.
- Who are the main players involved in facilitating the illegal organ trade in Africa?
- International criminal networks are involved in the organ trade, connecting buyers with sellers and facilitating complex operations. These networks often include medical professionals, local criminal groups, and sometimes even politically connected individuals.
- How much money is estimated to be made annually from the illegal organ trade in Africa?
- Estimates suggest the illegal organ trade generates between 755 million and 1.5 billion euros annually. The trade is fueled by poverty and a lack of readily available, legal organ transplant options in many African countries.
- What are the motivations behind both the supply and demand sides of the illegal organ trade?
- While some organ sales involve willing participants motivated by financial gain, many cases involve coercion or exploitation. The lack of stringent laws and enforcement makes prosecuting perpetrators difficult, further exacerbating the problem.
- What are the key contributing factors to the prevalence of the illegal organ trade in Africa?
- The lack of adequate medical facilities for legal organ transplants in Africa contributes to the high demand for illegal procedures. This shortage, coupled with poverty and weak law enforcement, creates a fertile ground for the criminal organ trade to thrive.