NAATIP marks World Day Against Trafficking-In Persons

The event held at Ocean Bay, Cape Point, Bakau, was under the theme; "Reach Every Victim of Trafficking, Leave No One Behind.’ Also, the Blue Heart Campaign is designed to drum up support while also creating a ripple effect, from broadcasting enlightening shows on radio and television that focus on the victims of trafficking, to conducting competitions intended to sensitise our youth about this issue. ‘We hope to cultivate understanding, empathy, and commitment not only among the authorities and professionals but also within the heart of our society.’ 

Addressing the gathering, Isatou Dabo, executive director of The National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP), said the day marks a pivotal moment in their collective fight against such heinous crime, noting that through strategic partnerships, relentless advocacy, and comprehensive action, they aim to bring an end to this grave violation of human rights.

On the other hand, she said their Blue Heart Campaign has been endorsed in many countries around the world and that its very spirit is in line with this year’s theme, ‘Reach every victim of trafficking: leave no one behind.’

“As we embark on this significant journey, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of trafficking. We must remember that behind every statistic lies a person whose life has been shattered, dreams torn apart, and dignity stripped away. To them, I say: you are not alone. NAATIP stands beside you as a beacon of hope, unwavering in our commitment to providing the necessary support and assistance to rebuild your lives. We pledge to be your voice, your advocate, and your ally in this fight for justice. With a heavy yet hopeful heart, we launch a series of events that will illuminate, educate, and hopefully motivate each and every one of us to take action against the grave issue of human trafficking. The fight will not get easier, we have to get better at what we do.”

The day, she added, also serves as a stark reminder of the unending plight of countless victims worldwide. This day calls us to refocus our efforts, to reaffirm our commitment, and to reach out to those who have been lost in the shadows of this cruel and inhumane practice. 

“Today marks the beginning of our four-day event, and the launch of our Blue Heart Campaign. This campaign, symbolised by a blue heart, stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to our commitment to this cause. Its colour signifies our unwavering resolve, as deep and as vast as the ocean, to combat Human Trafficking.”

She expressed her institution’s resolve to empower and equip ‘our Labour inspectors, social workers and health workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify, assist, and refer victims of trafficking to appropriate services. We will also engage in community sensitisation activities, particularly among women, community elders, and youths in border villages, ensuring that they are aware of the dangers of Trafficking in Persons’.

“We stand together in this fight against human trafficking. We stand together to ensure that we reach every victim, that we leave no one behind. Let this Blue Heart Campaign be the start of a brighter, safer future for all. Thank you for standing with us on this vital journey. Together, we can, and we will make a difference.” 

For her part, Saraphine Wakana, United Nations Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, reminded that human trafficking is a serious crime that involves a number of human rights violations.

‘Every year, thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers in their own country or abroad. All countries are affected by human trafficking, whether as countries of origin, transit or destination for the victims.

‘The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), guardian of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocols thereto, assists States in their efforts to implement the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.’ 

This Protocol, she added, was adopted by resolution A/RES/55/25 of the United Nations General Assembly.

‘It is the first international legal instrument to include a consensual definition of trafficking in persons. The objective of this definition is to facilitate the convergence of national approaches to establishing criminal offences that would allow effective international cooperation in prosecuting cases of trafficking in persons. The Protocol also aims to protect and assist the victims of trafficking in persons, while respecting their fundamental rights, and to promote international cooperation as part of an effective response to this type of crime.

She recalled that in 2014, The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 30 July " World Day Against Trafficking in Persons" in its resolution A/RES/68/192.

This resolution, she went on, declared that such a day was necessary to “raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.”

“It calls on governments, law enforcement, public services, and civil society to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen prevention, identify and support victims, and end impunity.” 

Amie Jobe, a trafficking survivor, expressed gratitude to NAATIP for their tireless efforts in combating all forms of trafficking in Persons in the country.

The day, she added, would also serve as a reminder of the need to reach every victim and ensure that no one is left behind.

“I would also like to express gratitude to all Civil Society Organisations for their tireless efforts in raising awareness about the trafficking and offering support to survivors.” 

The event was punctuated with poetry and drama surrounding trafficking in person

By students at the University of The Gambia.