Support from Finland for efforts to combat human trafficking in Africa

Press release 249/2009
28 September 2009

Alongside illegal trade in arms and drugs, human trafficking is among the most profitable types of crime and one aspect of organised crime. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that each year, two million people fall prey to human trafficking as victims for the labour market, the sex trade and trade in human organs. Only a fraction of them can be returned to their home areas.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Europe may have as many as half a million prostitutes and sex slaves whose transport to Europe fits the characteristics of human trafficking.

Muhammed Babandede, Director of Investigation & Monitoring at the National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other related Matters (NAPTIP) of Nigeria is visiting Finland on 28–29 September. In Finland he will meet, among others, with Minister of Migration and European Affairs Astrid Thors and Eva Biaudet, Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Nigeria criminalised human trafficking in 2003 and established its national actor, the NAPTIP, to implement the new legislation. Aside from criminal investigation, the NAPTIP activities include the pressing of charges, protection and rehabilitation of victims, as well as the provision of education and information.

Finland has granted 820,000 euros from development cooperation funds for efforts to combat human trafficking in Nigeria and its neighbouring countries. The project is carried out in Nigeria, but it also has a strong regional dimension.

Head of Unit Sofie From-Emmesberger, tel. +358 9 1605 6551, and First Secretary Anna Esko, tel. +358 9 1605 5323, Unit for Human Rights Policy