Foundation partners Nigerian women in Italy on fight against human trafficking

The Rose of Sharon Foundation (ROSF) has partnered the Nigerian Women Association Verona (NWAV), Italy, on the EYEFON Project. This is a key initiative of NWAV, funded by the Italian Ministry of Interior. The aim is to raise awareness on the risks and dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking, particularly for vulnerable populations such as widows, widows’ children, orphans, parents of adolescents, single parents and the needy.

ROSF Country Manager, Dr. Ndudi Bowei, said that human trafficking and irregular migration has become a menace in our society.

She emphasised that the socioeconomic status and poor treatment of widows, widows’ children and orphans in Nigeria make them particularly susceptible.

“It is imperative and fundamental to have specific legal and social protection mechanism for these vulnerable population to encourage better treatment and reduced vulnerability,” she said.

Ijeoma Olatunbonsun, a lawyer, highlighted the rights of children against human trafficking and the role of parents in child protection.

Mr. Williams of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMIDP) educated participants on the process of voluntary returnees and significance of awareness creation in communities and schools.

Under the EYEFON project, an advocacy and capacity building conference were held recently at the Conference hall of the Rose of Sharon Foundation (ROSF). In attendance were ROSF beneficiaries, other non-governmental organisations, and stakeholders. Participants were encouraged to practice safe migration, report suspicious activity to relevant authorities or organizations, to prevent adolescents from becoming victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.