ECOWAS strengthens fight against human trafficking, gender-based violence

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 -The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking and allied crimes.

This was 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, from September 1 to 5, 2025.

Organised by the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs (DHSA) in collaboration with Member States, civil society organisations, and international partners, the five-day meeting brought together key stakeholders to take stock of progress made in 2024 and chart a stronger course for 2026.

According to the Commission, the review provided a clearer picture of achievements and gaps across the region, particularly in areas of prevention, victim protection, prosecution of traffickers, and cross-border cooperation.

This year’s session marked an important expansion of the network’s focus, with the inclusion of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC) as allied issues requiring urgent, coordinated regional response.

It noted that delegates described this development as a recognition of the overlapping risks and vulnerabilities faced by victims of trafficking, especially women and children.

“The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), under the Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa, Phase II (FMM West Africa II) Project, which provides technical and financial support for migration governance and protection initiatives across the subregion.

“Officials at the meeting underscored the importance of stronger collaboration between governments, international agencies, and civil society groups in addressing the root causes of human trafficking, enhancing victim support systems, and reinforcing legal frameworks”, the Commission said.

They also stressed the urgency of adapting strategies to emerging trends such as online exploitation and organized transnational trafficking networks.

It disclosed that the Lagos gathering concluded with renewed commitments from ECOWAS Member States to strengthen policy implementation, deepen cross-border intelligence sharing, and step up advocacy and awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable populations in West Africa.