Today, the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP) organized a capacity-building training for religious leaders drawn from the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council and the Gambia Christian Council.
The training focused on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and the key role religious leaders play in preventing, identifying, and responding to human trafficking cases within their communities.
The activity forms part of NAATIP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national awareness and community engagement in the fight against human trafficking. The training highlighted how trafficking affects individuals and families across different communities and emphasized the need for collective action in prevention, victim protection, and prosecution of offenders.
During the session, participants were taken through the concept of human trafficking, its various forms such as labour and sexual exploitation, and the legal frameworks that guide national and international responses to trafficking.
Religious leaders were reminded that they are key influencers and trusted voices in society, often approached first by individuals in distress. Their spiritual guidance, moral authority, and community presence position them as strong advocates in spreading messages of compassion, justice, and awareness.
By integrating anti-trafficking messages into their sermons, teachings, and community outreach activities, they can play a powerful role in preventing exploitation and promoting social protection for vulnerable groups.
NAATIP Executive Director and facilitators underscored the importance of partnership and collaboration with faith-based institutions in addressing human trafficking. The training further encouraged dialogue between the two major religious bodies in The Gambia to ensure a unified approach to protecting human dignity and upholding the rights of all citizens.
This initiative reaffirms NAATIP’s commitment to building national resilience against human trafficking, empowering communities, and strengthening multi-stakeholder cooperation towards achieving a Gambia free from exploitation and abuse.
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