TERRE DES HOMMES FOUNDATION IN PROACTIVE MOVE TO END CHILD TRAFFICKING
The objectives of this gathering was to improve the knowledge of participants on child protection, the concepts of mobility and on the protective accompaniment of children which is a child protection approach designed by Terre des hommes Foundation. It was also to strengthen their knowledge on case management of children affected by Mobility, institutional and community based child protection mechanisms, train participants on case management tools as well as the registration of children affected by mobility. It must be noted that not only children who move can be affected by mobility or migration but also but also those who are left behind after the movement of their parents, guardians or care givers.
The reality over the years has shown that people can’t be stopped from moving. People move for various reasons but most of these movements come with a lot risks and dangers especially for children who are directly or directly affected and are sometimes are unaccompanied. The need to reduce their vulnerability and increase their access to development opportunity cannot be overemphasized. Our timely commitment and support for the protection of children on the move or those who are affected by migration will go a long way in preventing future emergencies. This can be achieved by through strong child protection policies that have provision for children affected by migration and yearly budgetary allocation by all tiers of governments to address or support cases of children affected by mobility or migration
However, leaving the responsibility of the protection of migrant children to only the institutional actors without the involvement of the community actors will not yield the desired result. They are primary host of these children, working directly with actors such as traditional rulers, chiefs, market leaders, religious leaders and influential people by putting in place community based child protection mechanisms will implore their protection, reduce their risk and increase their access to education, capacity building or skill acquisition.
Participants at the workshop were drawn from the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Port Health Services of Nigeria, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP), Nigeria Police Force, the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Organization, Community Actors as well as all counterparts of the above mentioned organizations from Benin Republic. Also present at the workshop were the Head of Country office of Terre des hommes in Nigeria Mrs Olapeju Osoba and her counterpart from Benin Republic Mr. Arsene Metinhoue as well as representatives from African Movement of Working Children and youth.
It is clear beyond doubt that for a better protection of migrant children we need to work together. Creating a synergy and a strong network among all actors such immigration, port health, NGOs, community actors across borders will surely improve the condition of migrant children and that of children on mobility.
