WOCON’S PRIMARY FOCUS ON THE ELIMINATION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

WOCON in furtherance of its commitment to the promotion of the rights of women and children has been in the fore front of the battle against the trafficking of women and children in Nigeria. WOCON’s focus on human trafficking dates back to 1996 when it participated in the first research study on the trafficking of women in Nigeria as part of an African Regional Study on trafficking commissioned by U.N Special Rapporteur on Violence against women its effects and consequences, Ms Rhadika Coomaraswamy.

WOCON pioneered the Launch of the campaign against trafficking of women on March 8 1997 in Lagos and has since engaged in sensitisation, awareness and advocacy campaigns in the International, Regional and Sub-Regional and National levels.

At the National level WOCON had conducted awareness creation and sensitisation campaigns at endemic source, receiving and transit communities for human trafficking notable amongst which are communities in States such as Lagos, Edo (Uromi & Benin City), Oyo (Shaki& Erunwa), Delta (Warri &Sapele) , Ogun ( Ibara Orile, Abeokuta, Ajegunle, Idi-Iroko, Ebonyi (Afikpo, Ezeilo Ntezi & Nkalagu )with support from ILO/IPEC, ILO/PATWA, UNICEF, ECPAT, UNIFEM, UNESCO & US Embassy ( Nigeria)

WOCON’s direct activities for trafficked persons include programmes for the withdrawal & rescue of trafficked children and their reintegration and or reunion with parents guardians. Such activities include the withdrawal in Lagos State of 800 children in prostitution and domestic labour (2001-2003, 2004-2005) with support from ILO/IPEC reintegrated through provision of formal education, basic learning and skills acquisition, legal and medical assistance.

WOCON also contributed to the prevention of human trafficking through the provision of school implements and fees for children in Ebonyi, and Ogun States and the establishment of a primary school with the mobilisation of community support in Ajegunle, Ogun State.

Collaboration with European and local NGOs and individuals , IOM and NAPTIP for the rescue of trafficked persons and receiving of deportee trafficked victims at airports and making necessary referral for reintegration and reunion with their families since 2000 to date. Notable are the rescue of trafficked Beninese children in illegal stone mining in some communities in Ogun State, return of trafficked persons from Spain, Belgium , Italy, U.K and North Africa and collaboration with TAMPEP Italy under the ‘Alnima Project” for receiving and reintegration of trafficked victims of prostitution from Edo State (2004).

Setting up income generating cooperatives ventures for economic empowerment of poor parents in Ebonyi (Soap and pomade making) and Ogun (Tie and Die) States rural communities for the prevention of child trafficking and child Labour with support from ILO/IPEC 2004- 2005

Provision of educational materials and holding periodic sessions for victims of trafficking in NAPTIP shelter in Lagos for basic learning and recreation Nigeria. Mobilisation of Community participation particularly strategic stakeholders such as the traditional and community leaders, women, children transporters , hotel workers and youths for the prevention of human trafficking and protection of trafficked persons in Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Oyo and Ebonyi States.

WOCON Conducted research studies on various aspects of human trafficking with support from Agencies such as IOM, UNESCO, Netherlands Embassy, Advocacy Project of USA and Anti Slavery U.K.

WOCON received an award by (NAPTIP) in recognition of its anti human trafficking activities at its 5th anniversary in August 2008

Affiliates and or members of ECPAT International, Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women (GAATW), International Movement Against Discrimination and Racism (IMADR) , Advocacy Project (USA), National Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons ( NACATIP) & Network of Civil Society organisation against child trafficking abuse and child labour (NACTAL)