By Barikui Felix
Wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, has called on relevant agencies to intensify efforts in arresting and prosecuting perpetrators of human trafficking and gender-based violence, regardless of their social status.
Dr. Diri made the call during a three-day Niger Delta summit themed “Raising Teenage Ambassadors Against Traffickers and Propagators of Domestic Violence.” She also urged both the State and National Assemblies to strengthen existing legal frameworks to address the menace more effectively.
The summit, organised by the Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, focused on strategies to combat human trafficking and gender-based violence, which were identified as serious human rights violations.
According to the organisers, teenagers, women, and children are increasingly vulnerable to involuntary recruitment for domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, and street hawking, among other abuses.
In his remarks, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Peremobowei Erebulu, pledged his support for initiatives aimed at eradicating human trafficking and gender-based violence in the region.
The organisers expressed optimism that the programme would inspire the development of supportive policies to reinforce the ongoing fight against these societal issues.
The event concluded with the launch of a safe space facility designed to provide support for abuse survivors, alongside award presentations to Gender Rights Champions.
Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, President of the Association, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the summit, noting the positive commitments from participants who pledged to support the establishment and expansion of safe spaces.
