End Human Trafficking and

Irregular Migration Advocacy

In Commemoration of
2018 National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Theme: Fostering Action Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration- The Role of Lawyers
Date: 31st January, 2018 at Nigeria Law School, Bwari, FCT.
National Human Trafficking Awareness Month is a period to promote
awareness and actions against Human Trafficking in the Country and around
the world. It seeks to end this slavery, return rights to individuals and make
the world a safer place for all inhabitants. This is also a time to get Lawyers,
Private sectors, Individuals, Religious Groups, Organizations, and
Government involved in combating and preventing Human Trafficking.

An estimated 27 million people are victims of human trafficking globally. They

are bought and sold into prostitution, labor exploitation and child
pornography.

For years, human trafficking has continued to thrive in shadow and in the
silence of others. 80% of the victims are young people between the ages of 6
and 24 years. Nigeria is a source, destination and transit of people trafficked
for sexual and labor exploitation. Also, there has been high rise in illegal
migration of Nigerian youth to foreign countries, which has led to death of
hundreds in Libya, Mediterranean Sea, and deserts. According to Global
Slavery Index, there are 875,500 victims of human trafficking in Nigeria. Also,
thousands of Nigerian youth have died as a result of irregular migration and
smuggling while crossing Mediterranean Sea, desert or dangerous roads.
There is urgent need for everyone, including lawyers to take actions against
this inhumane act.

To commemorate this year's National Human Trafficking Awareness Month,

Devatop Centre for Africa Development, through her Volunteer, Pharm. Joan
Ndubuisi hosted a one day symposium for 2000 Nigerian Law Students at
Nigerian Law School Bwari on 31st Jan, 2018, with the theme: “Fostering
Action Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration- The Role of
Lawyers”.
The discussion stimulated the interest of Law students on the need to
participate actively in combating human trafficking and irregular migration.
The discussants called on the lawyers start providing pro bono legal
services to victims and become strong voices for victims of human
trafficking.
Discussants include:
Friedrich Birgelen, First Secretary,- Refugees, Migration,
Humanitarian Assistance, Germany Embassy.
Ludwig Jung, Head of Press and Cultural Affairs, German Embassy.
Mirna Torres, Political officer at the U.S. Embassy Nigeria in Abuja.
Ngozi Ikenga, Chairperson International Federation of Women
Lawyers (FIDA) Abuja Chapter.
Joseph Osuigwe, Executive Director, Devatop Centre for Africa
Development.
Arinze (representing Director-General of National Agency for
Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons).