IOM INTENSIFIES CAMPAIGN AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING. (PHOTO).

IOM Intensifies Campaign Against Human Trafficking.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM)says it is intensifying efforts to expose the ever-evolving tactics employed by human traffickers to lure victim.

The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr Laurent de Boeck, gave the indication in Abuja at an Award ceremony for IOM 2023 short Film contest on Combating Human Trafficking.

Mr de Boeck also enjoined stakeholders to raise awareness through any available means to mitigate the menace of trafficking in the society.

“This event marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the scourge of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions of lives around the world, and Nigeria is unfortunately no exception. But in the face of this daunting challenge, we find hope and inspiration in the power of art and storytelling. Today, as we celebrate the filmmakers who have used their creativity and vision to shed light on this issue, provoke thought, and ignite conversations that can drive real change, we must remind ourselves of the need to amplify our efforts in raising awareness about the ever-evolving tactics employed by human traffickers.” 

The Chief of Mission, also explained that human trafficking criminals target vulnerable groups, including migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, and survivors of gender-based violence, which need collaborative efforts to curtail.

“However, we cannot do this alone, hence the adoption of the short film contest to bring in the youth, who most of the time are the most vulnerable population when it comes to trafficking in person. We believe that through this engagement, the youth could explore their creativity to fight and dismantle the networks that profit from the exploitation of innocent lives and create a world where no one is left behind. The short films submitted to this contest are not just pieces of entertainment; they are windows into the experiences of survivors, the Struggles of those who fight against trafficking, and the resilience of communities coming together to create a safer world for all. Each film is a testament to the filmmakers' dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. As we honour the winners of this contest, we also recognise that their work extends far beyond the boundaries of the screen. These films have the potential to educate, inform, and galvanise action. By participating in this contest, our filmmakers have become advocates, joining the ranks of those who stand against exploitation, inequality, and the violation of human dignity”. 

According to Mr de Boeck, NAPTIP has convicted eighty human traffic criminals in 2022 and, forty four convictions in 2023, which shows a lot progress, saying that more efforts is still needed.

Equally, IOM has been at the forefront of combating human trafficking, working tirelessly alongside the Federal Government of Nigeria and development partners. 

Since 2017, over 31,000 returnees have been assisted in their journey back home, including 4,287 victims of trafficking. 

The types of exploitation these victims have faced are deeply disturbing, ranging from labour exploitation to sexual exploitation and even modern-day slavery. 

IOM's approach is comprehensive and rooted in the protection of rights, physical and mental well-being, and community sustainability. He said.

While speaking on the short film, the International Director, MeCHAT, Ann Abok, urged all to live a life that will benefit others as well.

“Over 50 million people worldwide, their rights have been trampled on. Like Nelson Mandel says, to be free is not just for us to cast off our chains, but for us to live in live in away the will enable the freedom of others.

 “If you and I claim to know our rights, rights to freedom, education, whatever right we claim we have as humans. How about the right of those that have been stolen. You and I cannot be free unless we live in a way that will enable the freedom of others. So thank you to IOM for putting event together I find it very powerful because the Media has the power to change narratives and perception. 

When you interact with the characters in the film you almost have this social interaction that you identify with the characters and you want to live life in a way that will hamper the way of the traffickers.” 

IOM Nigeria’s Short-Film contest on combating trafficking in persons is an initiative of IOM Nigeria to employ the use of mass education and awareness-raising as strategic tools in combating the practice of human trafficking to achieve the desired behavioral changes in Nigeria.

Four winners were selected from two categories which are official and the popular vote categories.

The winners of the competition are Miss Letitia Ijeoma Osita-Obasi popularly known as Lio the producer of ZANIFA won the first prize

While Adeola Andrea Peregrino, the producer of POACHED took the second prize

The third prize went to Kongs Shamaki, the producer of HALIMA

And the winner for the popular vote went to Efunshile Akinwunmi the producer of NET OF SHADOWS.