The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reinforced its regional commitment to tackling human trafficking and associated crimes during the 17th Annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the Regional Network of National Focal Institutions Against Trafficking in Persons Plus (RNNI-TIP+), held in Lagos, Nigeria.
Organized by the ECOWAS Commission through its Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs (DHSA), the meeting brought together representatives from Member States, international partners, and civil society organizations. The gathering assessed the progress made in 2024, using the Annual Synthesis Report as a benchmark for evaluating actions, guiding advocacy, and providing technical support.
This year’s review introduced an expanded thematic focus, integrating issues related to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC), reflecting the increasing recognition of the interconnectedness of these challenges with human trafficking across the region.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) under the framework of the Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa – Phase II (FMM West Africa II) Project.
Participants commended the inclusive and multi-sectoral approach of the ARM, underscoring the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, data sharing, and targeted victim protection across ECOWAS Member States.
The event also served as a platform to strengthen policy dialogue, share best practices, and reinforce cross-border cooperation in addressing trafficking in persons and related security and humanitarian issues.
ECOWAS Reviews 2024 Actions on Human Trafficking, Adds Focus on Gender-Based Violence
