The Executive Director of the Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP), Dr. Mairo V. Bello, has called for intensified efforts to protect children, adolescents and young people from human trafficking and all forms of exploitation.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director of the Organisation, Dr Mairo V Bello, issued to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons,she described human trafficking as a gross violation of human rights that continues to deprive millions of children and young people of their safety, dignity and future.
According to the statement,she noted that women, girls and vulnerable adolescents remain disproportionately affected by trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, child marriage, forced begging and other forms of abuse.
She identified poverty, inequality, conflict, limited access to education and misinformation as some of the factors increasing their vulnerability
“Preventing human trafficking requires more than law enforcement. It demands sustained investment in education, adolescent health, child protection, economic empowerment and community awareness,”
She stressed the need for governments at all levels to strengthen the implementation of anti-trafficking laws, ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and provide survivors with comprehensive support.
Dr. Bello also urged parents, caregivers, educators, religious and traditional leaders, the media and civil society organisations to work together to educate young people about the dangers of trafficking, unsafe migration, online exploitation and deceptive recruitment practices.
“As an organisation committed to improving adolescent health and well-being, AHIP remains dedicated to promoting child protection, gender equality, youth empowerment and access to accurate information that enables young people to make informed decisions and live free from violence and exploitation,”
The Executive Director reaffirmed AHIP’s commitment to working closely with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, community leaders and the media to combat human trafficking, promote safe migration and protect vulnerable populations.
She explained that AHIP is currently implementing the Resilient Opportunities for Outreach, Trade and Sustainability (ROOTS) Project in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to address the root causes of irregular migration through community sensitisation, livelihood support, skills development and psychosocial assistance.
According to Dr. Bello, the project also seeks to empower returnees to rebuild their lives with dignity, achieve economic independence and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Dr. Bello called on governments, development partners, the private sector and communities to strengthen collaboration in addressing the root causes of trafficking while ensuring that survivors are protected, supported and reintegrated into society with dignity.