CSAAE Partners with USAID Scale to Combat Human Trafficking in Southeast Nigeria.
In a concerted effort to address the growing issue of human trafficking in Southeast Nigeria, the Center for Social Awareness, Advocacy, and Ethics (CSAAE) recently participated in a crucial two-day workshop organized by USAID SCALE at BON Tripod Hotel in Owerri, Imo State.
Represented by its Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Francesca, CSAAE joined forces with various stakeholders to discuss effective responses to combat trafficking in persons (CTIP) across Southeast communities and amplify advocacy for the establishment of a CTIP State Task Force.
The workshop included an in-depth overview of human trafficking, led by Barrister Rose Ibekwe from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) head office in Abuja. Participants were provided with a detailed understanding of trafficking, which centers on the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
For a trafficking case to be confirmed, three key elements must be present: Action, Means, and Purpose.
The session delved into the push and pull factors that enable trafficking, such as poverty, unemployment, and perceived economic opportunities.
Barrister Ibekwe urged participants, including organizations like CSAAE, to familiarize themselves with critical legal frameworks, including the TIPPEA Act, the National Policy on Protection and Assistance to Trafficked Persons, and the Guideline on National Referral Mechanism.
One of the pivotal discussions centered on “Victim Identification, Protection, Referrals, and Linkages”.
NAPTIP, as the primary agency fighting trafficking in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of collaboration between CSOs, CBOs, and security agencies to uncover trafficking operations, particularly those disguised as orphanages. The goal is to strengthen identification and referral systems to better protect victims and ensure justice is served.
Given that young girls make up a significant portion of trafficked victims, the role of women and mothers in the Southeast was highlighted as crucial in preventing the exploitation of their children.
The session on “Amplifying the Role of Women Leaders in Addressing Human Trafficking” emphasized the need for women to take a stand in safeguarding their communities, raising awareness, and actively preventing their daughters from falling prey to traffickers involved in sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.
CSAAE’s participation in this landmark event underscores its commitment to tackling human trafficking head-on, advocating for stronger preventive measures, and working closely with government bodies to create a safer future for Southeast communities. Together, we can protect the vulnerable and bring an end to human trafficking in our region.
