Lomé, July 31, 2025 -(©AfreePress)- On the occasion of the World Day Against Human Trafficking, the non-governmental organization Compassion International Togo, in collaboration with its partner churches and various institutions, held a major awareness-raising conference on July 30, 2025 in Lomé under the theme: “Human trafficking is an organized crime: let’s put an end to exploitation”.
The event, which took place both in person and virtually, brought together a wide range of participants, including government officials, religious leaders, civil society actors, and child advocacy organizations.
« Togo has incorporated the Palermo Protocol into its national legislation. Since 2005, several texts have been adopted, including the law on child trafficking, the Children’s Code in 2007, and the Penal Code of 2015, whose Articles 317 to 330 are dedicated to combating human trafficking, » said the representative of the Minister of Social Action, Mr. Glokpo Koffi Amenyo, on the occasion. He also highlighted existing mechanisms, such as hotlines and shelters for victims.
Speaking on behalf of the national leadership of Compassion International Togo, Gbékou Kodjovi, senior manager of program support, emphasized the scope of this mobilization. « Today, we support more than 90,000 children in Togo. It is our duty to ensure their protection against all forms of exploitation, » he noted, calling for greater involvement from community leaders. He also announced that concrete actions have been identified and will be implemented in the coming months to combat this phenomenon.
« The Church must broaden its scope of action. Beyond preaching, it has a crucial role to play in raising awareness of social issues, particularly those related to human trafficking, » affirmed Reverend Pastor Angèle Wilson-Dogbe, Regional Coordinator of the Lomé Regional Office of All Africa Conference of Churches, who also advocated for deeper engagement from the churches.
She urged church leaders to educate their congregations about existing laws and avenues for redress in cases of abuse.
Reverend Pastor Aki Komi, of the Assemblies of God of Togo (Légbassito 1 – Center 0116), present at the meeting, expressed his dismay at the scale of the scourge. The Church is challenged, he said. « We must increase awareness messages, even during worship services, and pray for our children. It is time to alert young people to the real dangers, particularly through social media, » he emphasized.
This national gathering, sponsored by Compassion International Togo, sounds a cry of alarm and marks a decisive step in the fight against human exploitation. It serves as a reminder that only concerted action between the State, churches, civil society, NGOs, and families will be able to end this silent scourge.
Albertine A.
