The 7th
annual review meeting on the Implementation of the ECOWAS plan of action on
combating trafficking in persons (TIP) has called on member states to mainstream
Talibe schools (known as Daras in Senegal and The Gambia) into the educational
system.
It also urged them to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with each other for coordinated actions in combating trafficking in the region.
The three-day meeting of ECOWAS national focal points on trafficking in persons and representatives of partner organizations, which ended recently at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, recommended the development of a system for the harmonization of data collection on human trafficking in member states, as well as capacity building and implementation of procedures.
In The Gambia, the national focal point is the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons, NAATIP-The Gambia, which is under the Ministry of Justice in Banjul.
The meeting also recommended that ECOWAS in collaboration with partners should provide member states with technical assistance and support in the area of financial and resource mobilization to facilitate programme implementation.
Participants also called on ECOWAS to work with member states in mainstreaming Talibe schools into the educational system with proper supervision, and to ensure the protection of children.
They also recommended that research and analysis be undertaken to provide quality support to member states on the protection of children on the move, while urging them to advocate for as well as integrate the roles of religious and traditional leaders in combating trafficking in persons, as well as child protection. EIN News
