2009 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS INTERIM ASSESSMENT FOR

UNCLAS ABUJA 002059 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR AF/FO, AF/RSA, G/TIP, AF/W, DRL, INR/AA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KTIP NI SUBJECT: 2009 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS INTERIM ASSESSMENT FOR NIGERIA REF: STATE 112432 ¶1. (SBU) The Nigerian Government (GON) has made progress since the 2009 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by continuing strong efforts to prosecute and convict trafficking offenders. Through October 2009, prosecutors obtained 25 convictions, compared with 23 convictions for all of 2008. As of November 1, 88 cases remain pending before the courts, some of which may be completed by year end. ¶2. (SBU) National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) personnel cared for 928 trafficking victims during January through October 2009, compared with 887 the year prior, and NAPTIP will almost certainly care for more victims before year end. ¶3. (SBU) The 2009 TIP Report recommended that the Lagos facility separate sheltered victims from detained suspects undergoing investigation. Since publication of the report, NAPTIP moved its Lagos office to a different section of the city to keep the two populations separate. ¶4. (SBU) NAPTIP officials acted promptly upon 2009 TIP report recommendations regarding victims' rights. They assessed the needs of trafficking victims upon their arrival and provided appropriate food, clothing, shelter, and instruction on various skills, including vocational training. Shelters also offered sports and extracurricular activities. To improve protection services, NAPTIP officials formed a committee of directors to review associated policies and strike a balance between ensuring safety of victims and promoting freedom of movement. NAPTIP provided training on these policies to all shelter personnel and implementing partners. ¶5. (SBU) The GOM made additional, significant progress in promoting public awareness, including by organizing a youth race against human trafficking in Benin, Edo State, where over 5,000 students from across the state competed for prize money. Dutch police and legal professionals provided training to police investigators on collection and use of digital evidence in courts. The GON planned to amend laws to permit introduction of such evidence in court cases. The NAPTIP Investigation Director addressed over 30 consular officers from various missions in Abuja to promote trafficking awareness, including providing advice detecting potential trafficking cases during visa interviews to detect and deter such cases during their early stages. Two dozen stakeholders participated in a four-day workshop in September to review and revise priorities for NAPTIP. SANDERS