A non governmental organization under the aegis of Integrated Anti Human Trafficking and Community Development Initiative (INTACOMAfrica) has urged Nigerians youths to shun migration and trafficking of human to foreign countries as a panacea for economic hardship.
News Echo reports that INTACOMAfrica expresses deep concern over the prevalence of modern-day slavery despite the abolition of the slave trade, and pledges its commitment to freeing Africans from enslavement, violence, dehumanization, poverty, and disease.
Their mission focuses on creating awareness and enlightening the public on the issues of human trafficking, irregular migration, and other forms of abuse that exploit and harm human beings.
Observing the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons recently, Executive Director, INTACOM Africa, Okoye Hope Nkiruka said this year’s theme from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is “Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind” hich she said was aimed at bringing together organizations and partners worldwide to sensitize and educate the public on the dangers of trafficking and irregular migration in line with INTACOMAfrica’s ultimate goal which is to save African women, youth, and children from falling victim to human trafficking and smuggling.
She stresses the need to identify and rehabilitate victims of human trafficking, while urging the public to reach out to responsible organizations to ensure access to justice for the victims.
“We want to plead the youths against mass migration for greener pastures rather engage in vocational skills on the importance of acquiring real knowledge and skills to become self-reliant and resourceful in facing the challenges of unemployment”.
“the fight against human trafficking requires collective efforts to address the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to trafficking and to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. Together, we can work towards a world free from human trafficking and its devastating consequences”.
The organization frequently conducts interventions in remote areas and beyond to rescue victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, child labor, and physical abuse. They emphasize the urgent need for a vehicle that can enable them to carry out these critical tasks effectively.
In particular, she bemoaned the alarming issue of the stealing and selling of babies in Anambra State, which is a severe form of trafficking that requires immediate attention and intervention.
While pointing out that the Anambra Ministry Ministry of Women Affairs currently lacks intervention vehicles, and they often resort to using keke (tricycle), which is not suitable for such rescue operations. She however ppsited that INTACOMAfrica advocates for the provision of at least two vehicles to the Ministry of Women Affairs under the Soludo administration.
However, INTACOMAfrica, despite not solely relying on partners’ funding to thrive, acknowledges the significant support it can receive. Therefore, she appealed to the State government, well-meaning individuals, and philanthropists to assist them with a project vehicle that will facilitate interventions and rescues.
By appealing to the government and relevant authorities for support, INTACOMAfrica hopes to receive the necessary resources to enhance their work and accelerate their efforts in combating human trafficking and other forms of abuse in Anambra State.
To end human trafficking, INTACOMAfrica calls for increased awareness, stronger prevention measures, improved identification of victims, and support for survivors. The foundation emphasized the significance of changing policies and national resource management to combat these crimes effectively.
