The United Nations special rapporteur Maria Giammarinaro arrives Nigeria today on an official visit to assess human trafficking in the country.
Giammarinaro says her weeklong visit is an “opportunity to meet with relevant stakeholders to discuss various forms and manifestations of trafficking in persons and key human rights concerns and challenges, as well as progress made, in addressing trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual, labour or any other form of exploitation.”
“Particular attention will be paid to key issues and challenges in the implementation of international and legal frameworks on trafficking in persons, especially women and children.
“During the visit, we will also examine measures taken or to be taken in terms of prevention of trafficking in persons, identification and protection of victims, prosecution and punishment of perpetrators as well as access to justice and social inclusion for survivors.”
She will meet representatives of Government agencies, as well as UN officials and members of civil society organisations, especially those working in the field of prevention and victim support, during her visit to Abuja, Lagos and Benin City.
She will brief on the last day of her visit in Abuja.
Findings from the country visit and recommendations will be included in an official report to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2019.
