By Prosper Okoye
The Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) has opened discussions with the Voices Unchained Trafficking Survivor Initiative on a partnership aimed at strengthening the fight against human trafficking and promoting safe and regular migration in Nigeria.
The meeting, held at the NACTAL National Secretariat in Abuja, brought together officials of both organisations to discuss ways of increasing the participation of trafficking survivors in advocacy, awareness campaigns, prevention efforts and support services for victims.
Receiving the delegation, NACTAL National Secretary and Head of Programmes, Osita Osemene, highlighted the network’s mandate, organisational structure and ongoing activities in the fight against human trafficking. He explained that survivors have a unique perspective that can enrich policy discussions, strengthen public enlightenment and improve intervention programmes for victims of trafficking.
Representatives of the Voices Unchained Trafficking Survivor Initiative said the survivor-led organisation is committed to promoting safe and regular migration, creating awareness on the dangers of human trafficking, supporting the reintegration of returnees and empowering survivors through advocacy, rehabilitation and community engagement.
They further stated that survivors who have experienced trafficking are well placed to educate vulnerable persons on the tactics used by traffickers and the consequences of irregular migration, adding that their experiences could help discourage others from falling into similar situations.
Osemene stressed the importance of building a strong and credible institution that would effectively represent the interests of trafficking survivors. He maintained that NACTAL would continue to provide mentorship and capacity-building support to strengthen the organisation’s leadership, institutional systems and programmes.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both organisations to exchange ideas on possible areas of collaboration, including public awareness campaigns, survivor empowerment, institutional development and other initiatives aimed at reducing human trafficking and promoting safe and regular migration in Nigeria.
