Media Coalition Presents Documentary to Combat Human Trafficking

A non-governmental organization (NGO), Media Coalition and Awareness To Halt Trafficking (MeCAHT) has unveiled a documentary film “I Wish I Knew” aimed at educating Nigerians on the dangers of human trafficking.

The film, produced in collaboration with EXIST and funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to combat human trafficking by sharing the harrowing stories of four survivors.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja yesterday, MeCAHT Founder and International Director, Anne Abok said, “I would like to know”, exposes the methods used by traffickers and highlights strategies to combat this serious crime.

She noted that the film holds a special place in her heart, as she has dedicated herself to anti-human trafficking efforts since 2008.

Abok said leveraging her media experience, she used film and media training to raise awareness and support vulnerable communities.

She said a pivotal moment in the creation of the documentary came when a returnee suggested survivors share their personal stories.

She said the film was intended to be more impactful than fictional accounts, providing real-life experiences to raise awareness and prevent further trafficking.

She noted that human trafficking is an endemic problem in Nigeria, a country that tragically supplies significant numbers of sex slaves overseas.

She noted that reports indicate that 80 percent of illegal prostitutes in Europe are from Nigeria, highlighting the critical need for increased awareness and action.

Abok stressed the importance of society's involvement in recognizing and combating human trafficking.

She called for an intersectional approach involving various sectors such as government, NGOs, the medical sector, financial institutions and educational organizations.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, she stressed the need for true commitment: “To be free does not mean throwing off one's chains but living in such a way that one's life allows the freedom of others. »

“We must be serious and remain firm in our commitment to ending human trafficking. Modern slavery is a harsh reality, but by being honest and dedicated, we can enable the freedom of others,” she said.

On his part, the representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Lowhun Debok, said human trafficking remains a serious problem in Nigeria and the world.

He said that despite ongoing efforts to combat it, this illicit trade continues to grow, driven by traffickers who prey on vulnerable people with false promises of a better life.

“Organizations like IOM and our partners, including MeCAHT, work tirelessly to raise awareness of the dangers of human trafficking. However, it is crucial to amplify the voices of survivors and victims, as they can provide the most compelling testimonies about the abuse and trauma they have endured,” he said.