Human Trafficking: UNODC partners NAPTIP to enhance resource efficiency in Nigeria

<p>The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has partnered with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.</p>, <p>This development, according to UNODC is also to enhance resource efficiency, strengthen the criminal justice response, and assist the formulation of key policy documents.</p>, <p>This is coming on Monday to mark this year’s World Day Against Human Trafficking on Monday with the theme “Reach every victim of trafficking – leave no one behind.”</p>, <p>The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale said UNODC “Our relationship with Government is evidenced by the collaboration between NAPTIP and UN agencies including UNODC, IOM, UNHCR, and ILO.”</p>, <p>Human trafficking is a heinous activity that shackles freedom, tarnishes human dignity, and violates the UN’s fundamental principles.</p>, <p>“The 2022 report informs us that 41% of West African victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation and 57% for forced labour. Nigerians represent by far the highest number of identified victims of trafficking in West Africa,” UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Schmale added.</p>, <p>“Furthermore, the report shows a significant decrease in the number of Nigerian victims being identified and rescued in Western countries, while witnessing a significant increase in West Africa, the Gulf, and Asia.</p>, <p>“IOM have played an admirable role supporting the Government in providing post-arrival services, as well as reception and protection assistance, to more than 4,000 Nigerian trafficking victims since 2017″</p>, <p>Speaking further, Mr Schmale said the UNODC said it has led and continues to lead the coordination of partners in the response to human trafficking in Nigeria.</p>, <p>“UNODC has partnered with NAPTIP to enhance resource efficiency, strengthen the criminal justice response, and assist the formulation of key policy documents. For many years, the UNODC’s Blue Heart campaign has raised awareness and inspired a