The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has inaugurated a Legal Hub for Victims of Human Trafficking in Enugu State, Nigeria.
The hub aims to provide accessible, specialised legal support to victims of human trafficking by promoting their rights and dignity.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief of Mission, IOM, Ms. Sharon Dimanche, emphasised the importance of collective action against human trafficking, which undermines individual dignity and erodes community social fabric.
The hub is part of IOM’s efforts to strengthen access to justice, building on successful frameworks in Lagos, Edo, and Delta States.
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The Enugu Legal Hub will create a platform for legal stakeholders to promote victim protection and access to justice, educate victims on their legal rights, and provide avenues for seeking compensatory justice.
It will also serve as a network for legal actors to share knowledge and strategies in trafficking litigation.
Ms. Dimanche urged state-level actors, legal institutions, and community stakeholders to support the initiative, ensuring victims of trafficking have access to justice, protection, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
She thanked the European Union, FIAP, UNODC, and other partners for their support and collaboration.
Umbrella for Victims
The hub is expected to become a comprehensive umbrella for victims to access information about legal support, enabling them to institute civil or criminal cases against traffickers.
This launch marks a call to action, demanding shared responsibility and determination to combat human trafficking.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has been working to combat human trafficking, securing over 1,000 convictions of traffickers.
The agency emphasises the need for collective action, awareness, and support for victims.
The Enugu State Government has demonstrated its commitment to eliminating human trafficking, passing the Child Rights and Responsibility Law in 2015 and establishing a Task Force on Human Trafficking.
The Legal Hub is a significant step towards protecting victims and promoting justice. It will provide a safe space for victims to seek help and rebuild their lives.
Human trafficking is a pressing human rights challenge, requiring coordinated efforts to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cases. The Enugu Legal Hub is a crucial initiative in this fight.
The hub’s launch has been welcomed by stakeholders, who praised its potential to bring hope and justice to victims of human trafficking.