The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing efforts against human trafficking in the region. This commitment was made during the 16th Annual Review Meeting of the ECOWAS Regional Network of National Focal Institutions Against Trafficking in Persons Plus (RNNI-TIP+), held in Monrovia.
At the meeting, participants pledged to improve collaboration and partnerships to effectively combat human trafficking and related crimes. The group called on the ECOWAS Commission to bolster the institutional capacities of Member States concerning the connections between trafficking in persons (TIP) and other criminal offenses, advocating for increased development efforts across various structures addressing these issues.
Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, emphasized the significance of the Annual Review Meeting as a platform for assessing Member States’ initiatives against human trafficking. She noted the importance of identifying gaps, sharing experiences, and fostering collaboration among institutions involved in the fight against human trafficking.
Key dignitaries attending the opening ceremony included Deputy Minister Hon. Steve Kolubah, representing Liberia’s Minister of Labour and the Trafficking in Persons Taskforce chair; H.E. Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia; Hajiya Hauwa Adamu, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP); and Dr. Mojisola Sodeinde, Head of Region at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for West Africa.
In his remarks, Mr. Kolubah highlighted Liberia’s commitment to combating human trafficking through initiatives such as awareness campaigns and improved victim protection. He stressed the importance of collective action, stating that no single country can effectively tackle this issue alone. H.E. Josephine Nkrumah echoed this sentiment, calling for a holistic approach to trafficking and urging participants to work together and innovate in their strategies.
Dr. Mojisola Sodeinde underscored the power of unity in addressing the challenges posed by human trafficking, while also acknowledging the progress made thus far.
The three-day meeting featured presentations from Member States on the implementation of the 2023 TIP priorities and the ECOWAS TIP Action Plan for 2018-2028. Despite ongoing challenges, participants showcased significant advancements in combating trafficking. Recommendations included improving cross-border referral mechanisms, enhancing awareness of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, and strengthening the capacities of National Task Forces and National Focal Points for executing National Action Plans.
The meeting also called for the ECOWAS Commission to organize an inter-ministerial session on TIP+ to enhance regional coordination. Additionally, it requested collaboration with partners like the ICMPD to facilitate targeted sessions on critical issues, such as child trafficking during armed conflicts, and to produce technical guidance for Member States.
Moreover, the meeting provided a platform for Member States to seek clarification on the ECOWAS Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons. Managed by the International Organization for Migration, this fund will allocate approximately $35,000 to 12 Member States to support existing victim assistance initiatives. ECOWAS aims to encourage Member States to seek further contributions from the private sector and civil society to establish or enhance their Victims of Trafficking Trust Funds.
The gathering included representatives from the ECOWAS Commission, national anti-TIP institutions, ICMPD, GIZ, IDLO, and other partners, all united in the fight against human trafficking in West Africa.
