The Country Director of the Arise Foundation, Chinomso Osuji, has called on stakeholders to intensify efforts in protecting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from trafficking, exploitation, and other forms of inhuman treatment.
Osuji made the call during a workshop organised by the Attah Sisters Helping Hand Foundation (ASHHF) in partnership with the Arise Foundation, held on Tuesday in Makurdi, with the theme: “Strengthening Protection and Anti-Trafficking Response in IDP Communities.”
She expressed concern over the growing cases of exploitation, rape, and assault in IDP camps, describing them as acts that leave lasting damage to victims.
Osuji urged participants to view the needs within IDP camps not as mere problems but as opportunities to transform lives, stressing that while government efforts remain essential, collective community participation is vital in addressing the challenges faced by displaced persons.
She emphasized that the foundation’s focus was on impact-driven projects, adding that her team does not believe in failed initiatives but in creating sustainable change.
On her part, the Executive Director of ASHHF, Comfort Attah, said the workshop was designed to foster collaboration among stakeholders in combating human trafficking and exploitation in IDP communities.
“This forum provides a platform to network, share knowledge, support survivors, protect children, and strengthen the capacity of responders for effective case management,” Attah stated.
She also highlighted the need to promote inter-agency coordination and develop functional referral systems within IDP camps, guided by the principles of confidentiality, informed consent, and survivor-centered approaches.
Similarly, the Programme Manager, Carista, Mr. Valentine Kwaghchimin, presented the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), identifying rape, sexual assault, and forced marriage as severe forms of abuse.
Kwaghchimin urged participants to promptly report and respond to GBV cases to ensure timely protection and support for survivors.
