A-TIPSOM Supports NACTAL-MECAHT Shelter to Strengthen Protection Services For Victims

As the world marked International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and The Transatlantic Slave on 25th March 2020, The Action Against Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria (A-TIPSOM), funded by European Union and implemented by The International Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP) donated fifty-two (52) materials (bed, mattress, refrigerator, fans, blanket, mosquito nets, plates, etc) to Media Coalition & Awareness to Halt Trafficking(MECAHT), a member of Network of CSOs Against Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) in Abuja, Nigeria. At MECAHT shelter, trafficked persons including minor are given psycho-social support, accommodation services, vocational training, counselling, and other relevant assistance.

Speaking on behalf of A-TIPSOM Team during the presentation of the materials to the Shelter, Mrs Nurat Lawal, Technical Advisor for Protection, stated that the donation is one of the A-TIPSOM activities that is focused on upgrading and refurbishment of selected shelters to enhance the quality of victim protection support, through the provision of comprehensive and needs-based equipment and services. Under this activity, twenty-one (21) shelters in Nigeria under NACTAL and National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) will receive support from A-TIPSOM, as part of the effort to strengthen support services for trafficked persons.

She further stated that as the World battles to contain COVID-19, and Nigerians observe Stay at Home order, Service Providers need adequate materials that will enhance the comfort of trafficked persons staying in shelters.
Also, MECAHT shelter manager, Mrs. Kabadiya Kure appreciated A-TIPSOM team and European Union, and reassured them that through the donation, the support services for trafficked persons will be improved.

In a remark, Mrs. Carol Shalom, the representative of NACTAL National President and the current NACTAL-FCT Coordinator, commended A-TIPSOM team and reiterated their commitment to ensuring that trafficked persons are given needed support.

The Action Against trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria (A-TIPSOM) began in 2018, through an agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Government of Nigeria, with the objective to reduce the trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, at national, regional and international level, and between Nigeria and the European Union, with specific emphasis in women and children, working with main Nigerian agencies, such as NAPTIP, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Police Force and the representative of the civil society, NACTAL. A-TIPSOM project is tackling human trafficking and smuggling of migrants in Nigeria through the 5Ps which include Prevention, Protection, Policy, Partnership and Prosecution.