Joseph Osuigwe charges Over 2000 Lawyers To Combat Human Trafficking
Over 2000 Nigerian Lawyers inspired by Joseph Osuigwe, the Executive Director of Devatop Centre for Africa Development, on 31st Jan, 2018.
Speaking at the symposium organized by his organization, Devatop Centre for Africa Development at Nigerian Law School Bwari, to commemorate 2018 National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, he told over 2000 lawyers that they have the strongest voices for victims of human trafficking. The theme of the commemoration is, “Fostering Action Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration”. He pointed out that the fight against human trafficking is impossible without the participation of lawyers, and therefore called them to be at the forefront of combating human trafficking. Many of the lawyers indicated interest to volunteer with Devatop and provide pro-bono legal services to victims of human trafficking.
Joseph also donated 12 copies of his book, titled “Becoming an Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate” to the school management, and promised that his organization will set up anti-human trafficking two book shelves in their library which will facilitate research, and stimulate the interest of students on combating human trafficking.
Joseph Osuigwe (R), Mirna Torres from U.S Embassy (R-L), Friedrich Birgelen from German Embassy (R-L), Ludwig Jung from German Embassy (R-L), and Arinze from NAPTIP(L)
Joseph spoke alongside the following people:
- Friedrich Birgelen, First Secretary,- Refugees, Migration, Humanitarian Assistance, Germany Embassy
- Ludwig Jung, Head of Press and Cultural Affairs, German Embassy
- Mirna Torres, Political officer at the U.S. Embassy Nigeria in Abuja
- Ngozi Ikenga, Chairperson International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Abuja Chapter.
- Arinze (representing Director-General of National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons)
About the Symposium:
National Human Trafficking Awareness Month is a period to promote awareness and actions against Human Trafficking in the Country and around the world. It seeks to end this slavery, return rights to individuals and make the world a safer place for all inhabitants.
An estimated 27 million people are victims of human trafficking globally. They are bought and sold into prostitution, labor exploitation and child pornography. For years, human trafficking has continued to thrive in shadow and in the silence of others. 80% of the victims are young people between the ages of 6 and 24 years. Nigeria is a source, destination and transit of people trafficked for sexual and labor exploitation. Also, there has been high rise in illegal migration of Nigerian youth to foreign countries, which has led to death of hundreds in Libya, Mediterranean Sea, and deserts. According to Global Slavery Index, there are 875,500 victims of human trafficking in Nigeria. Also, thousands of Nigerian youth have died as a result of irregular migration and smuggling while crossing Mediterranean Sea, desert or dangerous roads. There is urgent need for everyone to take actions against this inhumane act.
To commemorate this year’s National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Devatop Centre for Africa Development, through her Volunteer, Pharm. Joan Ndubisi hosted a one day symposium for 2000 Nigerian Law Students at Nigerian Law School Bwari on 31st Jan, 2018, with the theme: “Fostering Action Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration- The Role of Lawyers”.
About Joseph Osuigwe,
Joseph is a young Nigerian anti-human trafficking and human rights advocate who has been at the forefront combating human trafficking and other human rights abuses in Nigeria. He has been empowering young people in Africa to stand up against modern slavery through his seminars, training and media programs. He is an author, educator, and social entrepreneur.
To reach Joseph Osuigwe for conferences, seminars, or training, or to reach Devatop Centre for Africa Development, contact: [email protected] or visit www.devatop.org
By Godsmercy Maduka from Global Notice Hub
