…As Onyedinma Foundation embarks on community sensitisation to stop human trafficking
The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) has advised all the states in Nigeria to adopt the Child Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons Act to protect citizens, especially teenagers against sexual abuse and exploitation.
Uche Nwokocha, director, National Human Right Commission (NHRC), Abia state, made the appeal Tuesday, at a-day workshop on sexual and reproductive health and rights to combat “Baby Factory” and other forms of trafficking in persons for Secondary Schools in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia state, organised by Onyedinma Foundation.
Nwokocha, who was represented at the event, by Goodness Eze, a staff of the Commission, explained that Nigeria has made legal and institutional strides to protect against sexual abuse and exploitation, especially through the Violence Against People Prohibition (VAPP) Act, the Child Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons Act.
She said that the full impact of these laws depends on widespread adoption across states, effective enforcement, public education, and the empowerment of victims to seek justice.
She noted that continued advocacy, legal reform, and societal change are essential to end sexual abuse and exploitation in Nigeria.
According to her, “Sexual abuse and exploitation are serious violations of human rights, and there are a variety of legal protections in place globally and within individual countries to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
Glory Onwuka, executive director, Onyedinma Foundation, explained that the workshop was put together to empower students with the knowledge and understanding necessary to protect themselves from exploitation and ensure their reproductive health rights are respected and upheld.
She said that the workshop was built upon the foundation laid on May 13, 2025, when the Onyedinma Foundation and its partners convened a special community stakeholders conversation, focused on the urgent matter of baby factories and trafficking in persons.
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She stated that the insights and concerns raised during that forum informed the design and content of the workshop, ensuring its relevance and impact.
She observed that the insidious practice of trafficking in persons, particularly the abhorrent trade in ‘baby factories,’ represents a grave violation of human rights and a direct threat to the well-being of our communities.
“It preys on vulnerability, exploits innocence, and robs individuals of their autonomy and dignity. Through education and awareness, we aim to dismantle the structures that enable these crimes to flourish.
“This workshop is specifically tailored for selected secondary schools in Ugwunagbo LGA, recognizing that young people are particularly susceptible to the dangers of sexual exploitation and trafficking, especially those in the rural communities. Our goal is to equip these students with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their bodies, their health, and their futures.
She expressed gratitude to its partners, including Office of the Education Secretary, Ugwunagbo LGA, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP) National Orientation Agency, (NOA) the National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC) Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), ITERLUX Foundation, Odochimere Umunwanyi Foundation, and Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative, (YSAD), for their unwavering commitment to the cause.
