31st July, 2023
•strengthen criminal justice response
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has partnered with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
This development, according to UNODC is also to enhance resource efficiency, strengthen the criminal justice response, and assist the formulation of key policy documents.
This is coming on Monday to mark this year’s World Day Against Human Trafficking on Monday with the theme “Reach every victim of trafficking – leave no one behind.”
The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale said UNODC “Our relationship with Government is evidenced by the collaboration between NAPTIP and UN agencies including UNODC, IOM, UNHCR, and ILO.”
Human trafficking is a heinous activity that shackles freedom, tarnishes human dignity, and violates the UN’s fundamental principles.
“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,” UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Schmale added.
“Furthermore, 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.
“IOM have played an admirable role supporting the Government in providing post-arrival services, as well as reception and protection assistance, to more than 4,000 Nigerian trafficking victims since 2017.”
Speaking further, Schmale said the UNODC has led and continues to lead the coordination of partners in the response to human trafficking in Nigeria.
“UNODC has partnered with NAPTIP to enhance resource efficiency, strengthen the criminal justice response, and assist the formulation of key policy documents. For many years, the UNODC’s Blue Heart campaign has raised awareness and inspired action against human trafficking. Indeed, the Blue Heart is increasingly recognized as a symbol of hope to survivors.”
Schmale disclosed that, as part of the commemorations of World Day Against Human Trafficking, NAPTIP will be hosting a series of activities along with UN agencies and other partners including a 5-day boot camp for state task forces beginning today; a youth-led workshop on August 1st; and the official launch of the Compendium of Good Practices of State Task Forces in Combatting Human Trafficking on August 3rd.
“On this World Day Against Human Trafficking, let us join hands and unite our efforts to eradicate this grave violation of human rights.
The UNODC, however, called 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.
A whole-of-society approach is needed to increase resilience against exploitation and the underlying socio-economic and cultural issues that are conducive to trafficking. The fight against human trafficking is unrelenting. Let’s build a future together where this crime cannot exist.” Schmale urged.