UK child protection charity, AFRUCA today, Tuesday 16 October 2018 signs a Memorandum of Understanding with NAPTIP – the Nigerian government agency responsible for counter trafficking matters.

The signing of an MOU by a UK Diaspora led organization with a government agency in Africa underlines a major shift in African Diaspora engagement in counter trafficking activities across Europe. Recent figures show Nigerian nationals form the highest number of victims of trafficking and modern slavery from African countries in Europe.

The MOU highlights key agreements to collaborate on in the areas of intelligence sharing, needs assessments for safe houses in Nigeria, victim support as well as rehabilitation of returning victims in Nigeria.

The signing of this MOU will also take place as part of a major event held in the House of Commons to explore Diaspora engagement in tackling modern slavery in Europe. Chaired by Meg Hillier MP, it is being held as part of activities to mark Anti-Slavery Week 2018.

AFRUCA Founder and CEO, Debbie Ariyo OBE said: “We are pleased to sign this memorandum of understanding with NAPTIP. It is essential that all hands are on deck to help improve protection for victims of trafficking and help disrupt the activities of human traffickers. This MOU will definitely help to strengthen our intervention in the area of counter-trafficking matters, especially in relation to Nigeria.”

AFRUCA – Africans Unite Against Child Abuse is the premier charity promoting the rights and welfare of Black and African children and families in England. It is also the only African Diaspora-led charity in England tackling modern slavery and providing direct support for victims.

Each year, AFRUCA provides practical and therapeutic support for 50 children and young people who have survived trafficking, helping them on the path of healing and recovery.

Between December 2017 and June 2018, AFRUCA delivered a major awareness raising campaign funded by the Home Office targeting the Nigerian community in London and Manchester to help raise awareness of domestic slavery and how to spot the signs.