NAPTIP enhances strategies to combat human trafficking

The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, has announced that the agency will continue to innovate, expand cooperation, and foster collaboration to tackle the evolving trends in human trafficking.

Speaking in Abuja while unveiling plans for the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, themed “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons,” Waziri-Azi emphasized the need for new strategies to address the issue.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in December 2013, to be observed annually on July 30th. The day aims to promote comprehensive, coordinated, and consistent responses at various levels to counter trafficking, with a focus on a human rights-based, gender- and age-sensitive approach.

According to the United Nations, the 2024 theme urges accelerated action to end child trafficking, highlighting that children constitute a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.

Waziri-Azi disclosed that the Nigerian activities, in collaboration with UNODC, IOM, ICMPD, and OHCHR, will run from Saturday, July 28 to Sunday, August 4, 2024. These events aim to raise awareness and reduce the vulnerability of potential trafficking victims.

For the first time, NAPTIP will celebrate the World Day alongside The Gambia’s National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP). The celebration will kick off on Saturday, July 27, 2024, with a female novelty match at the Wakanda Games Arena, Accra Street, Wuse Zone 5, starting at 8:00 am.

On Monday, July 29, 2024, a Community Town Hall Dialogue will be broadcast live on Radio Nigeria, providing a platform for community stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns. The following day, July 30, 2024, an Awareness Walk will take place from the Old Parade Ground to the Unity Fountain in Abuja, with participation from State Task Forces on Human Trafficking across 23 states.

From July 31 to August 2, 2024, a Bootcamp for State Task Force members is planned, along with other activities such as the Survivor’s Got Talent Grand Finale, sensitization in places of worship and public spaces, and a robust online awareness campaign.

Waziri-Azi called for collective effort in ensuring a successful 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons celebration. “Let us amplify our efforts, fortify our resolve, and work tirelessly to create a world where every child can thrive in safety and dignity. Together, we can and must leave no child behind in this crucial fight,” she stated.