Parliamentarians pledge to combat human trafficking |30 January 2014

The Assembly delegation in a souvenir photograph with Dr Ezeilo

A joint meeting of members of the National Assembly from the International Affairs Committee (IAC) and the Committee of Women Parliamentarians (CWP) met the United Nations special rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Dr Joy Ezeilo, at the National Assembly yesterday.

The delegation from the National Assembly was headed by deputy Speaker Andre Pool, who is the chairperson of IAC.  

During discussions with the committees, Dr Ezeilo urged members to place human rights at the core of their legislative duties and to ensure zero-profits for the traffickers by putting in place the appropriate laws to criminalise trafficking of humans.

Dr Ezeilo stressed the importance of public private partnership and the coordination of all parties involved so as to ensure a sustainable fight against human trafficking.

The meeting highlighted the responsibilities of the National Assembly vis-à-vis the rights of women and children in the country and elaborated on the role of parliament in supporting the work of the UN special rapporteur.

“The National Assembly strongly supports the government in its continued effort to prevent human trafficking from scourging our society.  We are aware of urgent need to enact the necessary laws to combat the issue and we pledge our support towards the implementation of these laws,” said the deputy Speaker.

Also present at the meeting were Lenny Lebon and Kevin Vidot who are the National Assembly representatives on the National Committee on Trafficking in Persons.