'THE HUB' CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

A nongovernmental organisation known as Anti-Human Trafficking Legal Hub Lagos, has called for a collective commitment and action in the fight against human trafficking. The volunteer organization, better known as The Hub, also stressed the need to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors of human trafficking, amplifying their voices and working tirelessly to eradicate such unjust act. In a statement on the Social Media Awareness Month, The Hub expressed optimism that “together, we can create a world where freedom and dignity are the rights of all, not just a privilege for some.” The Hub is established to support victims of trafficking (VoTs) by providing free legal services and education, as well as seeking civil legal remedies in court on their behalf against their traffickers. According to the statement signed by its Programme Director, Tessy Osakwe, the organisation noted that human trafficking is an "egregious violation of human rights affects millions of individuals worldwide, stripping them of their dignity and freedom.” “Human trafficking is a complex and pervasive issue that takes many forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation and involuntary domestic servitude. Victims, often vulnerable individuals in dire circumstances, are manipulated, coerced, and exploited with little hope of escape,” She noted. It also the view of The Hub that the repercussions of trafficking extend far beyond the victims themselves, impacting families, communities, and society. “One of the most heartbreaking aspects of trafficking is that it often thrives in the shadows of indifference. Many victims are living amongst us, hidden in plain sight, suffering in silence while society turns a blind eye.” It observed that human traffickers take advantage of the most vulnerable — those living in poverty, facing discrimination, or lacking access to education, adding that the traffickers may include family members and close friends. The Hub stressed that “as a community, we must come together to address the root causes of trafficking. This includes advocating for policies that protect vulnerable populations, raising awareness about the signs of trafficking and supporting organizations dedicated to prevention and recovery efforts. “Education plays a vital role—not only in informing potential victims about the risks they face but also in empowering them to seek help. We must hold accountable those who perpetrate these crimes and do everything we can to dismantle the networks that profit from the suffering of others.” To achieve the set goals, the group said it would require collaboration across sectors—government, law enforcement, non-profits, and the private sector—to create a unified front against this modern-day slavery.