Awareness Walk in Nigeria during the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’

Human trafficking has a gross negative effect on both the victims and the nation.  Women, Girls, Men and Children of all ages and from all backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world. The traffickers often use violence or fraudulent employment agencies and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick and coerce their victims.

As part of activities of the Actions Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (A-TIPSOM) to commemorate the, the FIIAPP supported the government of Nigeria through The National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to host a 7.5 Kilometer Awareness Walk in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. During the Walk, participants were sensitizing motorists, pedestrians and other onlookers about human trafficking while flyers were also distributed.

This year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’ theme puts victims of human trafficking at the centre of the campaign and highlights the importance of listening to and learning from survivors of human trafficking as well as involving them in decision making. The campaign portrays survivors as key actors in the fight against human trafficking and focusses on the crucial role they play in establishing effective measures to prevent this crime.

Over 500 stakeholders, including human rights defenders, Nigeria Police Force, Road Safety Corps, Government Ministries, Development partners, and survivors participated in the Walk which lasted for close 3 hours.

NAPTIP’s spokesman, called on stakeholders and policy makers to consider measures to protect and support survivors of human trafficking. He commended European Union and FIIAPP for supporting this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

While giving a remark, A-TIPSOM representatives reiterated the commitment of FIIAPP and EU in supporting the Nigerian Government to reduce incidences of human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, under the A-TIPSOM Project, FIIAPP has supported NAPTIP and other beneficiaries in the areas of capacity building, refurbishment of shelters, procurement of intelligent gathering equipment among others.