GEPCare Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on reducing instances of human trafficking among young girls and women, is intensifying the anti-human trafficking campaign especially among Nigerians in the diaspora with a 2-day summit between 31 January and 1 February in Dublin, Ireland.
Themed “Getting Involved,” the summit will feature a seminar, movie screening of “Osato” a movie co-produced by Susan Jackson, Deborah Gahan, and Angela Ify Mojekwu-Egbera and directed by Eddy Ifeanyichukwu. Osato is based on the true story of a trafficked victim that raises awareness on the ills of human trafficking.
“We urge you, with a sense of urgency, to join in on this multilateral action! We invite you to attend this life-changing summit that aims to contribute to the exposure and reduction of this human trafficking beast. It is time to speak out,” said Deborah Gahan, director at GEPCare Foundation.
According to her, the summit will also include a fundraiser geared at engaging industry stakeholders, the flashpoint demography and the government, to commit to working together in line with the global goals of United Nations against the trafficking of persons.
Gahan opined that the foundation would be riding on its partnership with government agencies, such as the Nigerian Embassy, the Office of the Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, and support from the Department of Justice and Equality, to bring more awareness, especially among Nigerians in the diaspora and shine more light on the stigma, whilst seeking ways to reduce it to its possible minimum.
“The indifference to human abuse and exploitation around us, takes a negative toll on the society. From construction to food production to consumer goods, countless businesses and enterprises benefit from this misery. There is no doubt; we all have a role to play in bringing an end to this scourge of human trafficking,” said Gahan stating that more than 21 million people worldwide have been enslaved by human traffickers.
According to Gahan, this undoubtedly, represents an alarming threat to international peace and security. It undermines the rule of law, robs millions of their dignity and freedom, enriches transnational criminals and terrorists, and threatens public safety across nations. “The message could not be clearer: addressing human trafficking at home, takes the willingness to challenge misconception of what human trafficking is or is not, and unwavering determination at all levels of governance,” Gahan concludes.
SEYI JOHN SALAU
