The United Nations, UN, has called for a holistic approach to increase resilience against exploitation, avenues and issues that encourage human trafficking in Nigeria.
The UN Resident Coordinator Matthias Schmale, stated this at the awareness Match Against Human Trafficking, as part of activities for the commemoration for World Day Against Human Trafficking 2023 in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The UN Resident Coordinator, who was represented by the UNODC, Danilo Campisi, also said that human trafficking was a heinous activity that shackles freedom, tarnishes human dignity, and violates the UN’s fundamental principles.
He, therefore called for more collaborative efforts to eradicate the substantial violation of human rights.“On this World Day Against Human Trafficking, let us join and unite our efforts to eradicate this grave violation of h rights. We call on government, law enforcement, public services, and civil society to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen prevention, identify and support victims, and end ‘impunity.
He encouraged a whole-of-societal approach to increase resilience against exploitation and the underlying socio-economic and cultural issues that are conducive to trafficking.
Collaborative future
Campisi said the fight against human trafficking is unrelenting and called for the building of a collaborative future together devoid of human trafficking.
While quoting the UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, Mr. Schamale noted that Nigerians represent the highest number of identified victims trafficked for sexual exploitation and forced labour in West Africa, however.
“This year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons aims to raise awareness of disturbing developments and trends identified by the latest UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. The 2022 report informs us that 41% of West African victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation and 57% for forced labour Nigerians represent by far the highest number of identified victims of trafficking in West Africa.
The report shows a significant decrease in the number of Nigerian victims being identified and rescued in Western countries, while witnessing a significant increase in West Africa, the Gulf, and Asia. Thanks to NAPTIP’s efforts, victims are now being identified and rescued with greater efficiency and accuracy than ever before.
Commitment
commended the NAPTIP for the two decades fight against human trafficking in Nigeria and expressed optimism on possible, productive partnership and continued commitment to shared mission.
While speaking on the theme of this year’s World Day Against Human Trafficking : “Reach every victim of trafficking-leave no one behind.” the reiterate continued commitment to the fight against trafficking in Nigeria. “This is an apt theme because the central promise of the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs is to leave no one behind. We are now halfway to the 2030 deadline, and that promise is in peril. Urgent action is required to get the SDGs back on track.
He said the strength of their relationship with Government is evidenced by the collaboration between NAPTIP and UN agencies including UNODC, IOM, UNHCR, and ILO. IOM have played an admirable role supporting the Government in providing post-arrival services, reception and protection assistance, to more than 4,000 Nigerian trafficking victims since 2017.
He said UNODC has continued to lead the coordination of partners in the response to human trafficking in Nigeria by partnering with NAPTIP to enhance resource efficiency, strengthen the criminal justice response, and assist the formulation of key policy documents.
The Director General National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Professor. Fatima Waziri – Azi, stressed that the awareness Match, is to gather support against human trafficking.
Victims not criminals
“This walk is what we do every year. It is not just a walk but an opportunity for us to sensitise the public and make noise about issues of trafficking, and to galvanise support for everyone to keep treating victims of human trafficking as victims and not criminals.”
This year’s celebration, is meant to remind every one of us the part we can play, and we should play in stemming and controlling the tide of human trafficking in Nigeria and across the world. And like the theme of this year’s which says “reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind, ” reminds us to be empathetic to victims of human trafficking, to show solidary by supporting them in whatever you can, and stop been judgmental.
“It is our responsibility to continue to inform ourselves and educate ourselves so we can intern educate others. Let me say this, don’t get involved, don’t try to stop any situation, but rather reports to NAPTIP and other appropriate authority,” he stressed.
According to Professor Waziri Azi, a lot has been done interns of punitive action for offenders, however more action is needed.
At the event, civil society organisations urged the Nigerian government to improve more funding to NAPTIP, and not just that but quick release of the funds to enable it act swiftly.
This year’s celebration also coincides with the 20th anniversary of NAPTIP.
As part of the commemorations of World Day Against Human Trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) will be hosting series of activities along with UN agencies and other partners.
Lateefah Ibrahim
