NAPTIP Poised To Use Evolving Trends In Addressing Human Trafficking

Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi has pledged that the Agency will continue to develop new strategies, expand cooperation, and foster more collaboration to keep pace with evolving trends in human trafficking.

Prof. Waziri-Azi made this commitment in a statement in Abuja to unveil activities planned for the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, themed “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons”.

According to the statement, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2013 to be observed annually on July 30th to promote comprehensive, coordinated, and consistent responses at the national, regional, and international levels to counter trafficking in persons.

The statement states that the day is aimed at promoting a human rights-based, gender and age sensitive approach in addressing all factors that make people vulnerable to trafficking, and in strengthening the criminal justice response to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators.

According to the United Nations, the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking urges accelerated action to end child trafficking, recognizing that children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.

The statement quotes Prof. Waziri-Azi as saying that the activities lined up for the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria in collaboration with UNODC, IOM, ICMPD, and OHCHR which will commence from Saturday, July 28 to Sunday, August 4, 2024 have been carefully selected to reflect the theme of the celebration.

“These activities aim to create the needed awareness and impactful sensitization to address the concerns of all and reduce the vulnerability of potential trafficking of victims”.

Other planned activities include the “Survivor’s Got Talent” Grand Finale, sensitization and awareness creation in places of worship and public spaces, and a robust online awareness campaign.

Prof. Waziri-Azi urges everyone to join hands with the agency to ensure a successful 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons celebration.

PR Florence Adewale