UNODC: Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants
By Naomisophyblog
Trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants are two related yet distinct crimes as defined in the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols on trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling.
Trafficking in persons is the acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them, while smuggling of migrants involves the procurement for financial or other material benefit of illegal entry of a person into a State of which that person is not a national or resident.
These complex crimes remain topics of concern in Nigeria as it is a source, destination and transit country. Young women and girls are particularly vulnerable as they are trafficked to other African countries, Europe or in the Middle East where they are forced into sex work.
Our work
To tackle the different aspects of these complex crimes, UNODC Country Office for Nigeria support cuts across the 4 P’s approach, namely Policy, Prosecution, Prevention, Protection. Therefore, our work covers a wide range of actions. We deliver technical assistance by supporting legislative reforms, organizing trainings and developing tools for law enforcement agencies. We also work with our partners to raise awareness on these crimes through targeted campaigns as well as to make sure victims are effectively protected, reintegrated and empowered.
Our partners
Over the years, UNODC Country Office for Nigeria has built a strong partnership with key national stakeholders including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) as well as with other UN agencies in key areas in Nigeria.
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Our projects
With the support of the Government of Canada, UNODC works with NAPTIP and NIS to strengthen evidence-based policies, law enforcement strategies and intelligence-led investigations against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in Nigeria.
With the support of the Government of Switzerland, UNODC assists NAPTIP in developing a National Action Plan against trafficking in persons in Nigeria.
Within the framework of the Global Programme against Trafficking in Persons (GLOT59), UNODC with the support of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Department of State, assists NAPTIP and other actors to enhance state and non-state multi-sectoral response towards combatting trafficking in persons in Nigeria.
Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria by Combating and Reducing Irregular Migration funded by the European Union under the 10th European Development Fund (2011 – 2018)
Support and Capacity Building to NAPTIP on Strengthening Access to Justice and Victim Support funded by the Government of Switzerland (2015 – 2017).
Support to the Fight against Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria funded by the Government of Japan (2015 – 2017)
