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Theme: Human trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation
Opportunity Details
Theme: Human trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation
Each year, the world commemorates the global fight against trafficking in persons on 30 July during World Day against Trafficking in Persons. The commemoration provides the opportunity for all fringes of society – from artists to decision-makers – to come together to reflect around progresses and challenges made in addressing trafficking in persons. This year, this global campaign will be marked around the theme Human trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation underscoring the vital role of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in dismantling organized trafficking networks while ensuring a victim-centred approach.
According to UNODC, human trafficking continues to be a global threat driven by organized crime. More and more victims are being trafficked every year, across greater distances, with greater violence, for longer periods of time and for greater profit. From 2020 to 2023, there were more than 200,000 detected victims globally. IOM Nigeria data shows that from April 2017 to date, over 5,981 victims have been assisted to return to Nigeria as part of the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program.
Despite the efforts made by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), organized criminal network continue to exploit most migrants with false promises of greener pastures abroad. They use online platforms, social media, and the dark web to recruit and exploit victims, utilizing technology to evade detection, reach wider audiences, and disseminate exploitative content.
As part of its national campaign against trafficking in persons, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is delighted to announce the Third Edition of the Short Film Contest on Combating Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria. Launched in 2023, the contest is one of IOM’s flagship initiatives in Nigeria aimed at galvanizing youth and creative actors in the global fight against inequality, exploitation, and abuse.
This contest offers platforms for young Nigerian filmmakers and film enthusiasts to actively engage with this pressing issue and contribute to positive change within their communities and beyond.
It aims to amplify voices and narratives that contribute to the fight against trafficking in persons in Nigeria, and to ignite a dialogue among key actors on how we can work better together to address trafficking in persons before, during and after the fact.
During its inaugural edition in 2023, 56 entries were received from young Nigerian filmmakers and four prizes were awarded by a jury of experts in migration, counter-trafficking, film, and media.
Apply for International Organization for Migration (IOM) Short Film Contest in Nigeria