2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: FONWIP Calls for Protection and Justice for Survivors

The Founder and President, Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics (FONWIP)  Hon. Amb. Deaconess Florence Gbinigie, JP, PhD has called for the Protection and Justice for survivors of traffickers in persons

The Former Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development made the call in a statement  issued in Benin City to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on the 30th of July, 2026 

"Today, as we mark the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, I join the global community, and especially the women of Nigeria to raise our voices against a crime that continues to rob our people of dignity, freedom, and hope.

"This year’s United Nations theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam”, brings urgent attention to a rapidly expanding form of trafficking where organized criminal networks deceive young men and women with fake job offers abroad, only to force them into industrial-scale online fraud, romance scams, and cyber crime. Victims are held in illegal compounds, subjected to violence, debt bondage, and constant surveliance.

"Here in Edo State, and across Nigeria, we know this pain too well. For decades, our daughters and sons have been lured by false promises, trafficked within and outside our borders for sexual exploitation, forced labour, and now, forced criminality. Women and girls remain disproportionately affected, and poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity continue to be the vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit. 

"As Founder and President of the Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics, (FONWIP,) and as someone who has served as Honourable  Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, I have seen firsthand the devastation trafficking leaves behind: broken families, traumatized survivors, and communities robbed of their future. Trafficking is not just a crime. It is a gross violation of human rights and an attack on the very fabric of our society. 

According to her, "FONWIP calls for Stronger Action Against Online Scams and Fake Recruitment: Government agencies, NAPTIP, the Police, and the Cybercrime Unit must work with technology companies to track, shut down, and prosecute networks that use social media and fake job adverts to trap Nigerians.

"Protection and Justice for Survivors: We must move beyond rescue to rehabilitation. Survivors need psychosocial support, skills acquisition, legal aid, and safe reintegration. They are victims, not criminals.

"Community Sensitization and Women’s Leadership: Women leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, and political office holders must “blow the whistle” in our communities. Let us educate our young people that no legitimate job requires you to surrender your passport or your freedom.

"Addressing Root Causes: The best protection is development. We must invest in education, decent jobs, and economic empowerment for women and youth in Edo and across Nigeria so that desperation does not become an invitation to traffickers. 

"Human trafficking generates $236 billion in illegal profits yearly. It is one of the fastest-growing forms of organized crime. But it thrives in silence. Today we break that silence. 

"FONWIP reaffirms its commitment to partner with government, civil society, the private sector, and international bodies to end impunity, cut off illicit profits, and build a Nigeria where no one is bought, sold, or exploited. 

"To every survivor: you are seen, you are valued, and you are not alone. To every trafficker: the net is closing.

"Let us act together with unity and urgency. Human trafficking can end  but only if we all play our part."

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