Human Trafficking, Kidnapping Constitute Gross Violations Of Rights – IOM

ABUJA – International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said human trafficking and kidnapping are not only crimes but also constitute gross violations of human rights.

Laurent De Boeck, Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, stated this on Friday in Abuja at the commemoration of the International Day for the Right to the Truth organised by IOM in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC).

De Boeck said IOM has offered comprehensive direct assistance packages to victims of trafficking in collaboration with other partners.

He revealed that out of 30,520 total of migrants returned under the assisted voluntary repatriation programme of IOM, 4,096 were victims of human trafficking.

As part of measures to stem human trafficking, he said: “IOM provides tailored assistance to migrant survivors of trafficking in its transit centres and engages with the communities to inform the public about the risks of irregular migration and available services for victims of trafficking.”

He further explained that IOM in partnership with the Nigerian government has established and provided material support to three legal hubs in Lagos, Delta and Edo States to provide pro bono services to the victims of trafficking.

Speaking on the essence of the celebration, the IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, explained that the world was celebrating the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims to pay tribute to the memory of Monsignor Romero, who was murdered on March 24th, 1980.

He stated that Romero was actively engaged in denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable individuals in El Salvador.

De Boeck stressed the need for government to pursue truth and justice to build a better and more just society.

He said: “We must recognise that the pursuit of truth and justice is a long and challenging journey, but it is one that we must undertake if we are to build a better and more just society.

“It is our duty to ensure that the truth is revealed and that those responsible for human rights abuses are held responsible for their actions.”

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), Mr. Tony Ojukwu, said the implementation of the right to truth has the potential to promote accountability, reconciliation, and social cohesion in Nigeria.

Ojukwu said the NHRC was working in collaboration with the Nigerian government to continue to acknowledge and address past human rights violations to promote a culture of accountability and transparency through some projects.

He, therefore, tasked critical stakeholders and participants to make use of the opportunity provided by the commemoration of the 2023 International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and the Dignity of Victims to promote public awareness and understanding of the right to truth and the importance of seeking justice in cases of gross human rights violations to put a stop to these violations and bring closure to the trauma experienced by families and individuals who are faced with the disappearance of their loved ones under unknown circumstances in the country.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).