Anti-trafficking campaign targets Edo, Lagos

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has targeted vulnerable youths and their parents through the media, as part of an information campaign against human trafficking. The campaign, launched in June, includes training sessions for reporters and information ministry officials to raise their understanding of the trafficking problem and the quality of media coverage. A media element has been running on state, regional and national print and electronic media. Two television and four radio announcements run three times a week in Pidgin and local languages. Posters and flyers are also being distributed, according to the IOM. "Nigeria remains an important country of origin for thousands of women who are trafficked yearly, mainly to Europe," it stated on Friday. "Edo State in the southwest is the main origin for women lured abroad on false promises of jobs. In Europe, the main receiving countries are Italy, France and Belgium." The campaign is also intended to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among teachers and students in schools in Edo State. Representatives from the IOM, the Ministry of Education and other partner agencies are visiting schools to try to get the HIV message across. In addition, the anti-trafficking campaign has involved provided shelter, rehabilitation and reintegration assistance to 23 victims who returned voluntarily from Italy. The Nigerian initiative involves IOM, the government, local and national media, UN agencies and civil society groups. Women's associations, religious and community-based savings and investment groups are also being brought on board. "The purpose is to assist the Nigerian Federal government, Edo and Lagos state governments to acquire capacity to combat trafficking in women and minors, prevent the spread of HIV/Aids in trafficking affected areas and assist people living with HIV/Aids," IOM stated.