Problem:
Trafficking In Persons (TIP) is a global problem that manifests
itself in many forms, including forced prostitution and indentured
servitude. TIP is one of the largest and fastest growing trans-national
criminal activities around the world. Spurred by worsening economic
pressures and increasingly powerful criminal networks, trafficking
of women and children from Nigeria to other countries and within
Nigeria has continued to increase over time and until very recently,
little has been done to halt this development. The government could
not provide a current, reliable national estimate of the number
of persons trafficked. However, available information indicates
the magnitude of the problem is great.
In response to the scope of the human trafficking problem in Nigeria
, the Government of Nigeria (GON) in 2003 created the National Agency
for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) to serve as the nation's
focal agency for coordinating efforts to combat trafficking. Although
Government is making efforts to address trafficking, funding is
inadequate andNAPTIP and law enforcement agencies lack equipment
and skills to combat TIP. The annual TIP report issued by the State
Department G/TIP office placed Nigeria in Tier 2. The report cites
improved prosecution efforts as the key issue to be addressed for
Nigeria to achieve a better rating. The lack of communication and
poor flow of information between NAPTIP and law enforcement agencies
is a key impediment to the identification and prosecution of individuals
involved in trafficking
Approach:
American
Bar Association - Africa is supporting the Nigerian Agency for the
prevention of Trafficking in Persons and other related crimes (NAPTIP),
and building Anti-TIP capacity building for the Police and Immigration
officials. It provides equipment support
to enhance communication among law enforcement agencies and training
for the judiciary and prosecutorial services. Support is also given
to trafficked victims along with shelter and alternative economic
orientation training. The program uses public awareness as a preventive
tool against trafficking in persons.
Results:
•Increased capacity NAPTIP and law enforcement
agencies.
• Expanded Assistance to Trafficked Victims.
•Judges, law enforcement officials and prosecutors
trained.
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