UN Collaborates with Edo Govt to Curb Trafficking

The United Nations (UN) organ working for the empowerment of women, also known as UN Women, has pledged support to Edo State Government's policies aimed at protecting women and girls as well as strategies deployed by the governor Mr. Godwin in curbing human trafficking.

Country Representative for Nigeria, UN Women, Comfort Lamptey, said this during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House in Benin City. Lamptey said the domestication of the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law by Edo State Government was commendable and a right step in protecting women and girls in the state.

She said the UN organ was working with the Italian Government to ensure that policies to protect women and girls are implemented in Nigeria, especially as the country is addressing the challenge of human trafficking.

According to her, the partnership with the state government was aimed at ensuring women organisations involved in the fight against trafficking of women and girls were strengthened and supported with relevant leadership skills so they can better interface with relevant agencies.

She said UN Women would also engage men and traditional rulers in the state to drive gender equality, noting, "Our collaboration is to support policy review, formulation and capacity building. We are ready to dialogue with Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations to see how our small intervention can add value to the ongoing work in the state."