The day’s dialogue held at Coconut Residence, attracted members of The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC) and Gambia Christian Council in their broader efforts designed to reinforce the ongoing efforts to end this ugly menace in the country.
Established by an Act of Parliament in 2007, NAATIP is tasked with raising public awareness on human trafficking. It informs various stakeholders across different sectors of society on key issues of human trafficking so that stakeholders are able to adopt best practices to protect themselves and those around them.
At the event, Omar Mbowe, a member of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC), on behalf of the GSIC, thanked NAATIP for organising such an important event, which he said, is geared towards empowering religious leaders on issues relating to human trafficking.
He expressed their resolve to work for the nationals of the country and thus called on all to work towards fulfilling that aspiration.
Revd. Rodney Louis Prom, Gambia Christian Council, who is also a board member of NAATIP, lauded the initiative, describing it as timely in view of the fact that ‘our future is at risk.’
He alluded that The Gambia now faces a period where on daily basis, children and even adults are being enticed to leave the country, either through the back-way or by false promises of better, greener pasture elsewhere.
This arising problem, he added, is happening in our homes and that it is high time people took a stand against it.
“It has become a trend for many, especially ‘if someone comes along the way and gives them a better option.’ And by the time you know it, you begin to hear they are somewhere else. That is even if God intervenes. For others, you will not even know what's happening to them.”
The menace, he added, is mostly operated by people who are under the shadows, who continue to traffic many young people on the pretext of false promises.
He acknowledged that some are being kidnapped and lured into the act against their will and thus called on religious leaders to raise awareness on some of this menace affecting the society.
He pointed out that most of the times, it is the vulnerable and innocent people that are most affected and that it is high time people reason and know the reality of life.
In her keynote address, Isatou Dabo, Executive Director of the National Agency Against Trafficking-In Person (NAATIP), reminded that as an institution mandated to fight human trafficking, they're very much delighted to host the gathering of religious leaders with the intention of bringing their expertise and together to share knowledge and expertise on human trafficking.
“We have seen the very recent trend of an increase in young girls working as sex workers in our community. We have also seen exploitation in the area of construction. We have seen exploitation in the agricultural sector.”
Dabo acknowledged that many of these individuals suffer labor rights violations, but equally, many of these are victims of human trafficking.
“We recognize the fact that religious leaders play a very important role, and for that reason, it is important that we communicate and pass on the message of what is a menace and keeping our society from a certain degree of development. I hope that by the end of this day, we will be able to share experiences.”
She expressed optimism that after the forum participants knowledge would be enhanced and broadened especially on issues relating to human trafficking and to be able to protect our society more.
“I take this opportunity to extend my thanks and gratitude to the Gambia Christian Council and as well as the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council and to say these councils are partners with the institution. This is not a one-man fight because NAATIP cannot do it alone.”
Thus, she affirmed that this is a collective fight and as respectable leaders in society, their inputs are very vital in addressing the menace.
During the day’s session, participants will be exposed to presentation on the roles and mandates of the agency, elements of TIP and difference between Trafficking In Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM), victims Identification and provision of support services with a focus on children in ‘Majalis’ as well as the role of religious leaders in combating TIP.
