The Federal Government, Roost Foundation, and other stakeholders have called for widespread and effective awareness raising to combat human trafficking, irregular migration, and sexual and gender-based violence.
On Wednesday, they announced this at a Town Hall Meeting in Abuja on the prevention of human trafficking, irregular migration, sexual and gender-based violence.
In her keynote address, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, stated that her Ministry is a critical and primary stakeholder in the humanitarian and social sectors.
“Through the ministry, we coordinate President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda to transform the lives of Nigerians both at home and abroad, ensuring that they live a life of sustainable progress free of the scourge of irregular migration, human trafficking, and gender-based violence.”
“Our agencies, such as NCFRMI and NAPTIP, have had success in apprehending traffickers both at home and abroad and ensuring their prosecution; some have been imprisoned.”
“All hands must be on deck to ensure that we make progress in eliminating the challenges of human trafficking, migration, and gender-based violence in Nigeria.”
“There is an urgent need for widespread sensitization in order to educate the public.” This will go a long way toward putting a stop to the menace in our society. As a result, we look forward to collaborating and partnering with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Roost Foundation, the media, and others,” Farouq said.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Farouq was represented at the event by Hajara Ahmed, the ministry’s Head of Planning, Research, and Statistics.
Similarly, Dr Julie Oka-Donli, Founder of Roost Foundation, stated that the government has been working with international organizations for many years to address issues such as irregular migration, human trafficking, and gender-based violence.
She agreed with Farouq’s idea of enlightenment and raising awareness to combat irregular migration and human trafficking.
Oka-Donli also suggested that bullying is a violent act that should be criminalized in order to address the issues surrounding it.
She did, however, commend NAPTIP and other organizations for their efforts in combating irregular migration, human trafficking, and sexual and gender-based violence.
Mrs Ebelechukwu Enida, the Nigeria Coordinator of AGA-Africa, also spoke, saying that most people are unaware of what constitutes trafficking because they are involved in it.
“However, let it be known that ignorance is not an excuse in the eyes of the law.” So the best way to combat it is to raise awareness and inform people about the dangers and consequences.
“We provided training to law enforcement agencies.” This is to ensure that we share information and encourage transnational business among African countries that have joined us.
“And, we discovered that it actually works because it breaks the ice between these countries, and as a result, maximum corporation is achieved in combating human trafficking, irregular migration, and sexual and gender-based violence,” she said.
According to NAN, the event’s highlights included a documentary about the Roost Foundation and an animated film about violence on children that focused on bullying.
The event drew representatives from the Swedish Embassy in Nigeria, the Ministries of Youth and Sports Development, Women Affairs, and NYSC, FRSC, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Police, and others.
Discussion about this post