Besides, this year’s commemoration held on the theme ‘Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking’, seek to serve as an important reminder for all, to not only remember that children get trafficked on daily basis, but also that these children deserve and require certain safeguards to protect them from this deplorable menace irrespective of their race, colour, religion, nationality or social background.
On the other hand, the ABA counter trafficking project was aimed at enhancing collaboration and coordination between government through NAATIP and CSO’s in the realm of anti-trafficking through the use of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to address challenges in human trafficking and its impact on individuals and communities.
Welcoming the gathering, Isatou Dabo, executive director of National Agency Against Trafficking- In Persons, reminded that this year, the agency is not only commemorating the day, but also launching the American Bar Association, State Department Funded Project to combat TIP.
"There are a good number of civil society organisations working in anti-trafficking. The government through NAATIP is also engaged in numerous anti trafficking efforts. The only way we can achieve the best result is through coordination and collaboration and through the effective use of the National Referral Mechanism."
To that end, she expressed gratitude to their partners -the American Bar Association, UN Volunteers and CSOs, acknowledging that their continued collaboration will without a doubt yield results to the benefit of the vulnerable persons.
Karl-Frédérick Paul UN resident rep in The Gambia, while expressing delight to join in the commemoration, acknowledged that trafficking in persons violates human rights and it exploits the vulnerability of people, and undermines shared values and dignity, equality and justice.
He revealed that globally, children form significant portion in terms of human trafficking victims, pointing out that no country is therefore immune to this deplorable practise.
Protecting every child’s fundamental human rights, he added, is rooted to the global human rights standard including the Convention on The Rights of the Child.
He reminded that in a broader move to fight this appalling crime, children must always remain a focus especially marginalised children, disabled as well as unaccompanied children, among a host of others.
For her part, Sharon L. Cromer, ambassador of the United States, expressed appreciation to the American Bar Association for their proactive endeavour and to launch a new programme aimed at enhancing the country’s continued fight against trafficking in persons.
The day, she added, is an opportunity to also recognise the hard work and commitment of all stakeholders, who are committed to preventing trafficking in persons in the country.
The US ambassador thus made refence to statement by US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken that human trafficking stands as a direct assault on the fundamental human rights and freedoms of people.
"It violates the inherent rights of individuals to exercise autonomy over the life and perpetuates a global crisis affecting 27 million people around the world."
The TIP reports, she added, is a critical component of US government’s anti-trafficking initiative, adding that the report reflects the tireless efforts of countless individuals around the globe and to combat human trafficking, thus promoting a world where freedom and dignity prevails.
US ambassador thus referenced to the 2024 TIP report, where the Gambia maintained its tier 2 ranking for the third consecutive year, saying while the country is yet to reach tier one, the government demonstrated overall increased efforts compared to the past reporting years.
Dawda Jallow, Attorney General and Minster for Justice, described human trafficking as a deplorable crime that inflicts immeasurable pains and sufferings on its victims.
"It thrives in the shadows and prey on the vulnerable, exploiting their desperation for a better life. It knows no boundaries, affecting individuals of all ages, gender and background."
He described the theme of this year’s event as timely and befitting, acknowledging that the dedication of government to the welfare of children underscores the gravity of this heinous crime.
The day’s commemoration, he added, was also to highlight the need to further strengthen policies, coordinate efforts and put in place improved safeguards for the protection of child victims in the country. The event witnessed presentation of a cash amount of D30,000 to human trafficking victims as part their integration package. Poetry performances also formed part of the event with University of The Gambia emerging as winners and the Gambia College the first runner up. Each of these schools received a cash amount of D20,000 and D10,000 respectively.
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