The Federation for the Internalisation of Public Administration, FIPA has inaugurated a Legal Hub for Victims of Human Trafficking in Enugu State, Nigeria. Team Director for FIPA, Javier Leon said the hub aims to provide accessible, specialized legal support to victims of human trafficking, promoting their rights and dignity.
Leon emphasized the importance of collective action against human trafficking, which undermines individual dignity and erodes community social fabric.
“The Enugu Legal Hub will create a platform for legal stakeholders to promote victim protection and access to justice, educate victims on their legal rights, and provide avenues for seeking compensatory justice. It will also serve as a network for legal actors to share knowledge and strategies in trafficking litigation”. Leon stated.
Javier Leon urged state-level actors, legal institutions, and community stakeholders to support the initiative, ensuring victims of trafficking have access to justice, protection, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
The hub is expected to become a comprehensive umbrella for victims to access information about legal support, enabling them to institute civil or criminal cases against traffickers. This launch marks a call to action, demanding shared responsibility and determination to combat human trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr. Ukpai Awa Jonathan said the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has been working to combat human trafficking, securing over 1,000 convictions of traffickers. Ukpai Awa emphasizes the need for collective action, awareness, and support for victims.
The Enugu State Government has demonstrated its commitment to eliminating human trafficking, passing the Child Rights and Responsibility Law in 2015 and establishing a Task Force on Human Trafficking.
The Legal Hub is a significant step towards protecting victims and promoting justice. It will provide a safe space for victims to seek help and rebuild their lives.
Human trafficking is a pressing human rights challenge, requiring coordinated efforts to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cases. The Enugu Legal Hub is a crucial initiative in this fight.
The hub’s launch has been welcomed by stakeholders, who praise its potential to bring hope and justice to victims of human trafficking.
It also marks a significant milestone in the fight against human trafficking, providing hope and support to victims and promoting justice and dignity for all.
The establishment of the hub was as a result of months of hard work, collaboration, and commitment from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice, NACTAL, NAPTIP, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Bar Association, and FIDA.
The Legal Hub is expected to become a comprehensive umbrella for victims to access information about legal support, enabling them to institute civil or criminal cases against traffickers.
The inauguration of the hub will help expand and build on the previous hubs in Lagos, Edo and Delta by IOM.
ELECTED EXECUTIVE OF ENUGU STATE LEGAL HUB
Institution/Representation
1. Coordinator Academia
Prof. Sylvester Anya (Esq.)
2. Deputy Coordinator NBA
Mr. Nnamdi Aneke (Esq.)
3. Secretary NACTAL
Enwelum Ogechukwu U. (Esq.)
4. Assistant Secretary NHRC
Mrs. Nkolika Ezugwu
5. Treasurer FIDA
Mrs. Nkechi Ogbonnia (Esq.)
6. Financial Secretary Legal Aid Council
Mrs. Igu Martha (Esq.)
7. Public Relations Officer (PRO) WACOL
Mr. Ugochukwu Ogbonna (Esq.)
