Foundation seeks collective efforts to combat child abuse, trafficking

A non-governmental organization, Youth Alive Foundation Africa, has decried the alarming rate at which children and young people are tricked, forced and exploited or sold across the country, particularly in Akwa Ibom State.

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This was contained in a communique issued on Saturday, after a stakeholders and media dialogue on child trafficking and abuse organised by the foundation in partnership with Akwa Ibom State Task Force on Human Trafficking.

The statement reads in part: “There is the need for effective implementation of laws by making sure that perpetrators face the penalty. There’s need for proper education and enlightenment of the public and most especially parents on ways to prevent child trafficking and abuse by various media houses. More engagement of the media sector in the fight against child trafficking.

“Incorporation of social media influencers and platforms to increase sensitization and awareness on trafficking and abuse, the communique reads in part.

The foundation also called for the engagement of traditional and religious leaders and proper education of the public to address the menace.

“Traditional and religious leaders should be actively engaged and involved in the sensitization and protection of children and citizens within their congregation and that” Security agencies should be properly trained on case management especially during interrogation of survivors” adding that  Individuals should be encouraged to volunteer and give information on trafficking and abuse to relevant stakeholders” the statement continued

It also called for the development of a synchronized and centralized system of data management and information sharing in the state.

While identifying medical evidence as some of the bottlenecks to secure prosecution of perpetrators, the foundation said victims should be given quick and immediate medical attention in any hospitals they approach.

YAF however called for effective implementation of relevant laws to punish perpetrators of such crimes.

PUNCH/Wumi