NAPTIP asks victims of trafficking to speak out

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), has called on victims of human trafficking to speak out as their voices will ‘lead the way’ in efforts towards ending the scourge.

Director-General of NAPTIP, Basheer Garba Muhammed, made the call at an awareness campaign walk with partner organisations to mark this year’s World Day Against Human Trafficking, yesterday in Abuja.

He said it is only when voices of victims of human trafficking count that a more strategic and unified action and approach can be shaped for better results in helping them relieve the trauma they have passed through.

While highlighting the importance of the walk and the theme for this year’s celebration, “Victims’ Voices Lead the Way,” Muhammed said victims are not criminals and that their voices must be amplified as a necessary step in tackling the menace and saving others from become victims as well as reduce re-victimisation.

Represented by the head of the legal department, Hassan Tahir, the DG said “It should be noted that when voices of victims of human trafficking count, they are relieved of their traumatic experiences.

“Let us, therefore, understand that the significance of the awareness walk we are embarking on, is to create the desired attention on the plight of victims of human trafficking in the country as a way of ensuring that their voices lead the way.”

Speaking on the damaging impact of human trafficking on victims, team leader of Action Against Trafficking in Person and Smuggling of Migrants, (A-TIPSOM), Raphael Rios, decry the very inhumane treatment many have been forced into as a result of human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.

Represented by the Project Officer, A-TIPSOM, Mr. Joseph Sanwo, Rios said, “We would continue to work together and support NAPTIP in bring an end to human trafficking.

Also speaking, the President of the Network of Civil Societies Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour, (NACTAL), Abdulganiyu Abubakar, said NACTAL will continue to joined Nigerians in creating more awareness of the ills of human trafficking. He was represented by the FCT Zonal Coordinator of the organisation, Imaobong Sanusi.