An NGO, Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse initiative (AKH-TRACADA) has called for urgent measures to protect children from being trafficked.
Mr Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, Founder and Executive Director of the group made the call in a statement in commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed every year on July 30.
NAN reports that the day is designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 to draw attention to the plight of millions of men, women, and children who are trafficked and exploited every year.
The essence is to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking, to promote and protect the rights of trafficking victims.
The theme for the year 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is “Leave no child behind in the fight against trafficking in persons.”
Ezeanyaeche said that human trafficking remained a serious issue in Nigeria, with thousands of people, especially women and children, being trafficked within and outside the country every year.
He said the rate at which children were being trafficked for forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of modern-day slavery was alarming.
He however, emphasised that children were the most vulnerable to human trafficking, and that more needed to be done to protect them.
“Human trafficking is a serious violation of human rights and a major obstacle to development. It is a complex issue that requires a collective effort to combat.
“This year’s theme highlight the vulnerability of children to human trafficking and the need for special protection and support.
“Children are the future of our nation, and it is our responsibility to protect them from harm.
“Human trafficking is a serious violation of children’s rights, and we must do everything in our power to prevent it,”he said.
The executive director commended the federal government for its efforts in combating human trafficking adding that more needed to be done to address the root causes of the problem.
“We appreciate the efforts of the government in establishing the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
“But we believe that all hands must be on deck as more needs to be done to address this scourge,” he said.
Ezeanyaeche called on the government to provide more support to victims of human trafficking, especially children including counseling, shelter, and economic empowerment.
He also urged the government to prosecute traffickers and bring them to justice.
The NGO boss called on parents, guardians, and caregivers to be vigilant and report any cases of human trafficking to the relevant authorities.
“We call on spirited individuals to join hands with us to take action to prevent human trafficking, protect its victims, and hold traffickers accountable for their crimes.
“Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no child is left behind in the fight against trafficking in persons,”he said.
