Dedicate More Resources, Attention in Battle Against Human Trafficking – NACTAL Tells AKSG
By Ekemini Simon
Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Akwa Ibom State Chapter has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to dedicate more resources and attention to the fight against human trafficking.
NACTAL says the government among other actors must dedicate resources and attention to leverage technology to detect, rescue, and support victims and prosecute traffickers else the problem will heighten.
Speaking at the Media Briefing held in Uyo on Friday, July 29 to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the theme “Use and Abuse of Technology”, the State Chairperson of NACTAL, Dr Nsekpong Udoh said it was imperative for governments, businesses, and the public to be aware of the powerful trafficking threats posed by technology and act quickly to protect themselves, at-risk populations, or their platforms from being exploited.
She noted that the 2022 theme focuses on the role of technology as a tool that can both enable and impede human trafficking.
The State Chairperson explained that those trafficked are often tricked and misled to believe that they are being taken to work that will make their family better off which after success in the trafficking, the victims are forced into slavery as sex workers, beggars and child soldiers, or as domestic workers, factory workers and labourers in manufacturing, construction, mining, commercial fishing and other industries.
Dr. Udoh added ” Once people are caught in this network, they lose their rights, identities are misused and abused. There are many ways that people get caught up in trafficking and it is a global problem. Human trafficking has become an industry with wide range of networks that earns profits of roughly $150 billon (As stated in International Labour Organisation (ILO) reports) a year for traffickers.”
She offered insight into the fact that since trafficking is a global problem, it needs a global solution. The Chairperson insisted that it is time for government agencies, civil societies and the Non-governmental organisations to raise awareness, coordinate their efforts to fight against the devastating issue and promote the protection of people’s basic human rights.
Dr. Udoh stated that although this year, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) is focused on highlighting the importance of government action in the interest of victims of trafficking, the urgent need for everyone to take action besides the government.