Meeting at Syracuse Institute in Italy.

HopeNow wants to share some highlights from the recent seminar that took place at the Syracuse Institute in Italy from October 2nd through October 5th. This seminar brought together 30 passionate participants dedicated to making a positive impact in the fight against human trafficking. Among these participants was Michele Mildwater from HopeNow.

Our diverse group of 30 participants included representatives from various corners of the globe. Notably, there were 12 Nigerian NGOs, 5 NGOs from West Africa, and 10 European NGOs, which encompassed esteemed organizations such as OHCHR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights) and NAPTIP (National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons), Nigeria's leading anti-trafficking agency.

The central theme of the seminar revolved around the non-punishment principle for trafficked victims and survivors. This vital concept formed the foundation for discussions on strategies for protecting and assisting victims. The seminar provided a unique opportunity for social workers and first responders to exchange valuable insights and knowledge about the various interventions used in Europe and Nigeria to safeguard and support survivors of trafficking.

In an open forum, we emphasized the indispensable nature of our partnership with various government agencies, spanning from law enforcement to immigration, in our shared mission to combat this grave issue. We delved into the complex web of challenges, including the identification of root causes and the overwhelming influence of transnational crime networks. Our dialogue underscored the urgency of devising effective strategies to disrupt these powerful networks. Furthermore, we addressed the pressing need for continuity and sufficient funding to sustain our anti-trafficking efforts. It is abundantly clear that by working together and maintaining steadfast support, we can make meaningful progress in eradicating this crime and protecting vulnerable individuals.

Recognizing the challenges faced in the field, the seminar also touched upon the existing gaps in protection and assistance services for trafficked victims in both Europe and Nigeria. Identifying these gaps is the first step in working towards more comprehensive support and intervention strategies.

One of the most exciting aspects of this seminar was the opportunity for HopeNow to connect and network with a multitude of organizations from both Europe and Africa. This networking provided a platform for collaboration and partnership-building, further enhancing our collective efforts in the fight against human trafficking.?

These valuable discussions and exchanges at the Syracuse Institute were truly enlightening and enriching, reinforcing our commitment to creating a world free from human trafficking. We are eager to continue this vital work and collaborate with our newfound partners to make a lasting impact on the lives of survivors and the prevention of human trafficking.

For more information about human trafficking, empowerment and therapy, visit our website at HopeNow.

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(Written by Islom Askarov, a data analyst at HopeNow. 31.10.2023)