Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ABUJA2059
2009-11-16 15:42:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Abuja
Cable title:  

2009 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS INTERIM ASSESSMENT FOR

Tags:  PGOV PREL PHUM KTIP NI 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO9312
PP RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMA RUEHMR RUEHPA RUEHRN RUEHTRO
DE RUEHUJA #2059 3201542
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 161542Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7476
INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS PRIORITY 2287
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE PRIORITY
RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK PRIORITY
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

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