By: Nyima Sillah
Migration and Human Rights Activist, Yahya Sonko, has called on the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to intensify its training focus on indigenous people.
“I urge IOM to intensify its focus on training and informing villagers, village development committees (VDCs), Alkalos, prominent village associations, and Kaafo heads. By empowering these local leaders and communities with knowledge and resources, we can create a united front against human trafficking,” said Sonko.
The Rights Activist in an Interview with this medium on Wednesday opined that it is time for all the government entities, NGOs, and villagers to work hand in hand to stop traffickers from exploiting the youths, adding that they must act now to protect the children and secure the future of The Gambia.
“It is evident that the battle against this grievous issue is far from over, particularly in our local communities where human traffickers and smugglers continue to operate with alarming ease. Every day, small fishing boats leave from our villages, carrying hundreds of young people, teenagers, and children, embarking on perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea in hopes of reaching Europe.
He added: “These deathly trips are often organized within our communities, with rumors spreading well before departure, yet action against these traffickers remains insufficient.”
He extolled the IOM for building the capacities of immigration departments, police, and journalists, but was quick to say it is imperative to extend these efforts further into the grassroots level, arguing that most of the traffickers live within the society.
“It is only through a concerted effort by government bodies, NGOs, and the villagers themselves that we can hope to dismantle their operations. Together, let us stand for the interest of our mother Gambia and put an end to this modern-day slavery,” the migration activists stated.