In 2000, the international community adopted the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. July 30th is set aside to mark this important occasion.
Chief Mrs. Betty Onakpoma, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Women Mobilization to Governor Oborevwori, has called for urgent and comprehensive action by national and state actors against human trafficking as part of their commitment to commemorate this day.
The SSA on Women Mobilization emphasized the gravity of human trafficking in a statement delivered through her Media Assistant, Mr. Fidelis Onakpoma. She described human trafficking as one of the most heinous crimes of our time.
According to Mrs. Onakpoma, human trafficking undermines the security of states due to its connections with organized crime and corruption. Traffickers often deal not only in people but also in drugs, weapons, and other illicit goods. Most importantly, trafficking violates the human rights of victims, who are exploited, raped, and sometimes killed.
Chief Onakpoma highlighted that Delta State, being a human rights-friendly state, has domesticated the VAPP law and established a task force on human trafficking. She explained that the fight against human trafficking involves three key components: prosecuting traffickers, protecting trafficked persons, and preventing trafficking.
She urged actors to ensure no child is left behind in the fight against human trafficking. Mrs. Onakpoma recommended that citizens should be vigilant and help the Delta State government identify victims, investigate networks, disrupt operations, and prosecute traffickers.
Reported by:
Fidelis Onakpoma,
Media Assistant to the SSA on Women Mobilization to Governor Oborevwori