ECOWAS, IOM Provide Lifeline To Over 1,000 Trafficking Survivors In West Africa

In a strong show of solidarity against human trafficking, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have extended direct support to more than 1,000 victims across the region.

This initiative comes as the world marks the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, with the theme “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime: End the Exploitation.” ECOWAS says it’s putting human security and social protection front and centre of its regional priorities.

Through its Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, the Commission allocated $516,000 USD to aid survivors’ funds that were disbursed by IOM between August 2024 and February 2025.

The approach, ECOWAS notes, is rooted in a rights-based and victim-centred framework, with interventions focused on prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships.

With organised trafficking networks continuing to threaten the safety and dignity of vulnerable populations in West Africa, this move signals a united front by regional and international actors to break the cycle of exploitation and restore hope to survivors.