Crime

Group seeks protection of victims, survivors of child trafficking

Published

5 years ago

July 30, 2021

The Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), , Lagos State, has called for the protection of victims and survivors of Child Trafficking and Labour.

NACTAL made the call on Friday in Lagos to mark World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

The National Daily reports that the annual event is celebrated on July 30.

NACTAL said it was identifying with all groups engaged in the fight against child trafficking and labour because of the need to protect its victims and survivors.

The group said that the United Nations set aside the 2021 celebration to honour the first responders who were working tirelessly around the world to protect victims of human trafficking and those at risk to it.

“This year’s theme places survivors at the centre of the campaign against this heinous crime and for a change.

“We will be privileged to be listening to their contributions, recommendations in order to learn from their experiences and to keep up the fight and win,” NACTAL said.

It said that human trafficking remained a global crime.

NACTAL said that Nigeria, being an origin, transit and destination point for the crime, had its survivors’ stories of pain, agonies and inhuman treatment by their abductors.

It said these victims have suffered mental abuse, torture, degradation and untold physical, emotional and psychological hardships.

NACTAL said that harsh economic conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic had made it increasingly difficult for responders to provide support as restrictions have only fueled the human trafficking crime.

“This has forced many vulnerable individuals to seek greener pastures as poverty increases leaving a whole lot more at the risk of being trafficked.

“Today, as a Coalition, NACTAL LAGOS reinforces our determination, commitment and focus to continue to condemn and combat all forms of exploitation as far as human trafficking is concerned.

“Whether through sexual slavery, forced/bonded labour, domestic servitude, forced marriage, sale and purchase of persons, removal of organs and other slavery-like activities,” NACTAL said.

The group calls on everyone to speak against the evil of human trafficking and child labor and to protect the rights of victims.