Adopting a Critical Advocacy and Social Action against Human Trafficking in Nigeria
Lamin Mohammed Kpaka | September 19 | 4:00-5:00 PM
Topic: International | Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced | Location: Room 3020
Human trafficking is an exploitation of humans, especially children and teens, to serve the selfish interest of the traffickers. The rate of this heinous crime in Nigeria is alarming, with a greater prevalence rate in the southern part. Children and teens are more vulnerable because of their insecurity and inability to make their own decisions. The major weapons the traffickers use are deception and force. Because their parental background is poor and their future seems bleak, these victims are promised good education and opportunities in the Nigerian and overseas cities to make money and improve the living standards of their family. A lot of efforts have been made in the past to quench this ugly trend, such as the establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo protocol) 2003, the establishment of pioneer anti-trafficking non-governmental organization known as the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF), etc. These efforts have yielded results, but they are insignificant. This presentation presents a more critical advocacy and social action against human trafficking by involving religious groups, community development unions, carrying out of vigorous grassroots campaigns, establishing anti-human trafficking clubs in primary and secondary schools, and educating community-based women groups on the dangers of human trafficking. The presentation concludes by suggesting grassroots family empowerment programs that will reduce poverty level and stop all forms of human trafficking in Nigeria.
Presentation Objectives:
· Discuss the nature and prevalence rate of human trafficking in Nigeria
· Show how children and teens are the most vulnerable
· Explain the various efforts made by the Nigerian Government to stop human trafficking
· Suggest strategies for a more critical advocacy and social action against human trafficking in Nigeria