Theme: “Trapped Behind the Scam”
Today, the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP), in collaboration with its development partners, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders, commemorated the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons under the global theme “Trapped Behind the Scam.” The event also marked the official launch of The Gambia’s National Action Plan Against Trafficking in Persons (NAP-TIP) 2016-2030 and the Trafficking in Persons Training Manual, two significant milestones that will strengthen the country’s coordinated response to human trafficking.
The programme commenced with an official welcome address by the Executive Director of NAATIP, Mrs. Isatou Dabo, who warmly welcomed representatives from government institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners, civil society organizations, the media, and all participants.
In her remarks, Ms .Dabo emphasized that the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is not merely a day of commemoration but a moment for reflection and renewed commitment. She stressed that combating trafficking in persons is a shared responsibility that requires collective action throughout the year, not only during commemorative events. She called on every individual and institution to play their respective roles in preventing trafficking, protecting survivors, prosecuting offenders, and supporting the reintegration of victims into society.
Ms . Dabo further expressed her sincere appreciation to the Government of The Gambia development partners, civil society organizations, law enforcement agencies, and all NAATIP staff for their unwavering commitment and continued support in the fight against trafficking in persons
Delivering a statement on behalf of the United Nations, UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Karl-Fredrik Paul commended the Government of The Gambia and the Ministry of Justice for their continued leadership in addressing trafficking in persons through NAATIP. He acknowledged that trafficking in persons remains a serious transnational organized crime requiring sustained collaboration among governments, international organizations, and communities.
Mr. Paul reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting The Gambia through the PROMISE Project and other initiatives aimed at strengthening legislation, institutional capacity, victim protection, and prevention efforts to effectively combat trafficking in persons.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Mr. Abdoulie Colley, Registrar General, on behalf of the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice. He commended the leadership of NAATIP, particularly Executive Director Ms Isatou Dabo, for her dedication and achievements in advancing the national anti-trafficking agenda.
Mr. Colley highlighted several strategic priorities of the NAP-TIP 2015-2030 to further strengthen the national response, including:
• Establishment of a dedicated shelter for child victims of trafficking.
• Development of a centralized data management system to improve coordination and information sharing.
• Strengthening prosecution efforts, including plans for dedicated prosecutorial support for trafficking cases.
• Continued institutional strengthening of NAATIP to effectively implement its mandate.
He subsequently officially launched the National Action Plan Against Trafficking in Persons (NAP-TIP) 2016-2030 and the Trafficking in Persons Training Manual, describing both documents as essential tools that will guide national prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership, and capacity-building efforts.
A technical presentation on the NAP-TIP and the Trafficking in Persons Training Manual was delivered by Mr Massaneh Landing Ceesay of C-MER consulting and Ms. Abimbola Adewumi, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer from UNODC respectively .
A high-level panel discussion on the global theme “Trapped Behind the Scam” explored the growing use of deception, fraudulent recruitment, online scams, and false promises that traffickers use to exploit vulnerable individuals. Panelists discussed emerging trafficking trends, prevention strategies, victim identification, and the importance of strengthening collaboration among all stakeholders. The discussion concluded with an engaging interactive question-and-answer session involving participants.
The programme concluded with a solidarity message and vote of thanks delivered by Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Ebrima Bah of the Gambia Police Force on behalf of the Chairperson of the NAATIP Board. he reaffirmed the Board of Directors’s unwavering commitment to combating trafficking in persons and pledged continued collaboration with NAATIP and all partners to bring perpetrators to justice and protect victims. He also commended Executive Director Mrs. Isatou Dabo for her steadfast leadership and dedication in championing the fight against human trafficking.
As The Gambia joins the international community in commemorating this important day, NAATIP calls upon all citizens, communities, institutions, and partners to remain vigilant and work together to prevent trafficking in persons. Together, we can build a society where no one is deceived, exploited, or left “Trapped Behind the Scam.”
Report suspected trafficking in persons by calling NAATIP’s toll-free hotline: 1123.
This years commemoration is funded by NAATIP in partnership with the UNODC Promis project , OHCHR, The European Union, FIAP,Compact Gambia, The kingdom of Netherlands , The Niamey declaration and with technical support from the IOM.
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