Opinion leaders and civil society groups in the Northern Region have pledged to use their platforms to combat human trafficking and modern-day slavery, emphasizing the urgent need to protect human dignity and fundamental rights.
The commitment was made during a one-day workshop on Migration, Human Trafficking, and Modern-Day Slavery in Tamale, on Friday, February 21, organized by the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP). The event brought together key stakeholders, including religious and community leaders, to strategize on tackling the growing crisis.
Renowned Islamic cleric and spiritual leader of the Shia Muslim community in the Northern Region, Sheikh Abdul Mumin Dalhu, pledged to use his influence to educate congregants on the dangers of human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
He underscored the need for faith leaders to play an active role in raising awareness and guiding communities away from exploitative migration schemes.
The initiative was spearheaded by Chief Dr. Doli-wura Awushi Abdul-Malik Seidu Zakaria, a Fellow of COFP, who stressed the moral duty of faith leaders to protect their communities.
“Human trafficking and modern slavery are grave injustices that strip individuals of their dignity and fundamental rights. As faith leaders, we have a moral duty to protect our communities from exploitation and to provide ethical alternatives for economic advancement,” Chief Doli-wura Zakaria stated.
The Convener of Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace, Kuadey Yao Eli, explained that Tamale was deliberately chosen as the venue for the training due to its high levels of north-south migration, which leaves many individuals vulnerable to exploitation.
He emphasized the need to go beyond traditional intervention approaches by actively incorporating faith-based perspectives into anti-trafficking efforts.
Migration expert Christian K. Zilevu provided insights into the dire consequences of human trafficking, including exploitation, abuse, loss of human dignity, economic setbacks, and social and cultural disruption.
He called for a comprehensive and multifaceted response, urging stakeholders to focus on prevention, protection, and prosecution as key strategies in combating trafficking.
The workshop underscored the importance of collaboration between religious leaders, civil society organizations, and policymakers in addressing human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Stakeholders vowed to strengthen awareness campaigns, advocate for policy reforms, and support vulnerable individuals to curb the menace.
This renewed commitment signals a unified front against exploitation, with faith leaders and civil society determined to create a safer and more just society.
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