As the lead agency mandated to prevent, protect and prosecute trafficking in persons in The Gambia, the move is part of the agency’s broader advocacy to help combat this growing lucrative enterprise second to only drug trafficking currently.
Welcoming the gathering, Numo Saidykhan, on behalf of the students and teachers, thanked the agency for their bold foresight and move to sensitise students at his school on issues relating to human trafficking.
He recalled that students at the school embarked on annual excursions and that it was one of the institutions the students wanted to visit so as to acquaint themselves with the work of the agency.
He, however, noted that due to the large number of students, the agency instead decided to chose a date a visit the school and popularise the work of the agency.
He underscored the importance of the initiative, saying human trafficking is a growing menace affecting mainly women and children.
He thanked the team from NAATIP for their dedication and commitment to ending this ugly menace in the country.
Joseph Y. Mendy, head of Investigation at NAATIP, reminded teachers and students about their role in combating the menace, saying human trafficking is a process that involves group of people that work under shadows preying on their victims.
He informed students that NAATIP is under the Ministry of Justice and mandated by the 2007 Act to prevent, protect and prosecute trafficking in persons.
Thus, he said, sensitising targeting communities will help a great deal as addressing the menace calls for concerted efforts of all and sundry.
Presenting on the element, signs and dangers of TIP and some real-life stories, Tijan Faal, deputy head of investigations at the agency, reminded that teachers have a big role to play in creating awareness about TIP as students spend most of their time with teachers in schools.
He called on students to be vigilant and report any suspecting cases to the agency, reminding that combatting this menace calls for joint and multi-faceted approach.
He told the students about the danger involved in human trafficking as the act is a form of modern day slavery.
Human trafficking, he said, is a heinous crime and that it involves violation of people’s fundamental rights
