By Nicholas Bass
The National Agency Against Trafficking-in-Persons on Monday 31st July 2023 joined the rest of the world in commemoration of World Day against Human Traffic held at Ocean Bay, Bakau.
The focus theme for this year is “Reach Every Victim of Trafficking, Leave No One Behind.”
In her statement, the Executive Director of NAATIP Mrs. IsatouDabo, said the celebration of the World Day against human trafficking was a pivotal moment for every stakeholder in a collective fight against heinous crimes against humanity.
She added that this can be attained through strategic partnerships, relentless advocacy, and comprehensive action that aim at bringing an end to the grave violation of human rights.
She noted that there is a need to adopt a victim-centered approach in all aspects of the fight against trafficking-in-persons, and urged policymakers to implement dormant policies.
”It is high time the voices of the victims (human trafficking) are heard louder and stakeholders coordinate their efforts in yielding better results in protecting and supporting victims of trafficking,” she said.
Mrs. Dabo, however, assured to stand shoulder to shoulder with her team to tirelessly work hard in combating the menace of human trafficking, while adding that her office cannot achieve lasting change alone without the collective efforts of government, civil society’s international organizations, and every concerned citizen.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, extolled the government for executing a convict of human trafficking, adding that human trafficking is a serious crime that violates the rights of humans where thousands of humans have suffered at the hands of human traffickers.
She pointed out that the UN convention gives provisions for international prosecution of the perpetrators of human trafficking and it also seeks to protect victims of human trafficking.
Meanwhile, the commemoration was held together with the launch of the Blue Heart Campaign. The event was part of the activities marking world day against trafficking and the campaign includes radio and television shows focusing on victims of trafficking and key concept of TIP.
