… as the World marks Human Trafficking Day
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is an international observance held on July 30th each year. Designated by the United Nations General Assembly, this day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to combat human trafficking and raise awareness about the plight of victims worldwide. The date was chosen to honor the adoption of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, which was established in 2010.
The theme of this year’s World Day is “Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind”. This calls for collaborative efforts in the fight against human trafficking, especially in Edo State. Hence, this article focuses on the plight of victims and the role of various actors in entrenching a society devoid of human trafficking.
Victims of human trafficking often experience the theft of their dreams and the shattering of their hopes, as they are forced into situations of exploitation and abuse. Trafficking can take many forms, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, and forced marriage, among others. Regardless of the form it takes, trafficking often involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to control and exploit the victim.
The trauma of trafficking can have a profound and lasting impact on survivors. Victims may struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation, and may face ongoing physical and psychological health problems as a result of their experiences. Many survivors also find it difficult to rebuild their lives after trafficking, as they may have lost their support networks, educational opportunities, and other resources that were critical to achieving their dreams and aspirations.
It is important to recognize the devastating impact of trafficking on its victims and to provide them with the support and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. This includes access to medical and mental health care, legal services, and social and economic assistance. It also requires a commitment to addressing the root causes of trafficking, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, and to working towards a more just and equitable society for all.
How to address the root causes of human trafficking
Addressing the root causes of human trafficking requires a multifaceted and coordinated approach that focuses on prevention, protection, and prosecution. Here are some steps that can be taken to address the root causes of human trafficking:
Addressing Poverty: Poverty is one of the main drivers of human trafficking. To address this root cause, governments, and non-governmental organizations can focus on poverty alleviation programmes and create employment opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Providing Education: Education is a key factor in preventing human trafficking. By providing access to education, vulnerable individuals can learn about their rights and ways to avoid being lured into trafficking.
Combating Gender-Based Violence: Traffickers often prey on women and girls who are victims of gender-based violence. Combating gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault, can help prevent trafficking.
Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Governments must enact and enforce laws that criminalize human trafficking and protect victims. This includes stronger penalties for traffickers and measures to ensure the safety and well-being of victims.
Promoting Awareness and Advocacy: Raising awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and advocating for the rights of victims can help prevent trafficking and protect those who are at risk.
Improving Global Cooperation: Human trafficking is a global problem that requires global solutions. Governments, NGOs, and international organizations must work together to share information, coordinate efforts, and develop effective strategies for addressing trafficking.
The role Edo State government in combating human trafficking in Edo State
In the battle against human trafficking, the Edo State government has adopted a proactive and empowering approach by focusing on skills acquisition as a key strategy. Recognizing that poverty and lack of opportunities are major drivers of human trafficking, the government has undertaken significant efforts to provide vulnerable individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve their livelihoods.
This, the Obaseki-led government has done with the establishment of the Edo State Skills Development Agency (ESSDA) now referred to as EdoJobs. This pioneering agency aims to bridge the gap between education and employability by equipping individuals with relevant skills and training to meet the demands of the modern job market. Since its inception in 2017, ESDA has been at the forefront of promoting skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in Edo State, especially among the youths who are the primary target of traffickers.
By investing in skills acquisition programs, the Edo State government aims to equip its citizens with employable skills, making them less susceptible to traffickers’ deceptive offers and reducing the incidence of human trafficking in the state, thereby addressing the root causes of the high incidence of human trafficking in the state.
Another step taken by the Obaseki-led government in Edo State was the establishment of the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT) which plays a crucial and multifaceted role in combating human trafficking in the state.
The Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking plays a vital role in combating human trafficking in Edo State. Its proactive and comprehensive approach, spanning prevention, rescue, prosecution, and survivor support, has made significant strides in the fight against this heinous crime.
Through collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies, NGOs, international partners, and the community, the task force continues to protect vulnerable individuals, rescue victims, and hold traffickers accountable, creating a safer environment and striving for a trafficking-free Edo State.
The role of NAPTIP in preventing human trafficking in Nigeria
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is the Nigerian government agency responsible for combating human trafficking. NAPTIP was established in 2003 to investigate and prosecute cases of human trafficking, as well as to provide support and rehabilitation services to victims.
NAPTIP plays a critical role in preventing human trafficking in Nigeria through a range of activities and initiatives, including:
Public Awareness Campaigns: NAPTIP conducts public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about the dangers of human trafficking, how to identify trafficking, and how to protect themselves and their communities from trafficking.
Law Enforcement and Prosecution: NAPTIP works closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of human trafficking. The agency also provides training and support to law enforcement officials to improve their capacity to identify and respond to trafficking.
Victim Support and Rehabilitation: NAPTIP provides a range of support services to victims of trafficking, including shelter, medical care, counseling, and vocational training. The agency also works to reunite victims with their families and communities.
International Cooperation: NAPTIP works closely with international partners to prevent trafficking, including by sharing information and coordinating efforts to combat trafficking.
Advocacy and Policy Development: NAPTIP advocates for policies and laws that address the root causes of trafficking, such as poverty and gender inequality. The agency also provides technical support to government agencies and civil society organizations to strengthen Nigeria’s response to trafficking.
Through these activities, NAPTIP has made significant progress in preventing human trafficking in Nigeria. However, trafficking remains a significant challenge in the country, and NAPTIP continues to work towards strengthening its efforts to combat this crime and protect the rights of victims.
The role of Civil Society Organizations in combating human trafficking in Edo State
Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in combating human trafficking in Edo State, by working in partnership with the government, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
One such civil society organization in Edo State is the Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI).
Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Nigeria that focuses on empowering girls and young women to become leaders and change-makers in their communities. The organization has been instrumental in reducing human trafficking in Nigeria through its various programs and initiatives, including:
Education and Empowerment: GPI provides education and empowerment programs to girls and young women, including leadership and life skills training, mentoring, and reproductive health education. By equipping girls with the skills and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their lives, GPI helps to reduce their vulnerability to trafficking.
Advocacy and Awareness: GPI conducts advocacy and awareness-raising activities to raise public awareness about the dangers of human trafficking. The organization also works to influence policies and laws related to trafficking and to promote the rights of victims.
Collaboration and Networking: GPI collaborates with other organizations and stakeholders working to prevent human trafficking in Nigeria. This includes working with law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners to share information, coordinate efforts, and develop effective strategies for preventing trafficking.
Support for Victims: GPI provides support and rehabilitation services to victims of trafficking, including shelter, medical care, counseling, and vocational training. The organization also works to reunite victims with their families and communities.
Through its various programs and initiatives, GPI has made a significant contribution to reducing human trafficking in Nigeria. By empowering girls and young women and promoting their rights, the organization is helping to create a more just and equitable society that is less vulnerable to trafficking.
As the world marks the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, it is imperative to address the root causes of human trafficking and work collaboratively to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and create a safer and more just world for all. The efforts of governments, civil society organizations, and international agencies are vital in this collective fight against human trafficking.
