The Media Coalition and Awareness to Halt Human Trafficking (MeCAHT), an international NGO committed to reducing human trafficking and other humanitarian works across Canada, the UK, Denmark, South Africa, and Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to the APUDI Institute for Peace Studies and Social Rehabilitation (APIS) to explore a collaborative partnership aimed at advancing the securitization of the humanitarian space, research and therapeutic and safe house management in line with international best standards in Nigeria and other West African countries.
The MeCAHT international delegation which arrived Nigeria today from Canada, was led by its International Board Chairman, Rev. Captain John Vanstone, alongside the International Executive Director, Anne Abok, and other management staff of the organization.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Rev. Captain Vanstone expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and his team by APIS. He commended APIS for its significant role in shaping and reshaping minds and hearts of humanitarian actors, researchers, and young people towards social justice, capacity building, community-based security initiatives, and human rehabilitation.
He emphasized that human trafficking, migration, and other humanitarian management activities are global issues transcending borders and regions, that necessitate international collaboration and partnership. He noted that they have gone through APIS’ research work and other security initiatives within the humanitarian space which can provide practical pathways for case management and other humanitarian activities like child trafficking, migration, and other humanitarian programs within its academic and research focus.
Responding on behalf of APIS, the Director Prof. Atu welcomed the delegation ably led by its Board Chairman to Nigeria and noted with satisfaction that some members of the delegation are alumni of APIS and making tremendous contributions internationally in the areas of peace development, research, and rehabilitation in countries such as Canada, the UK, and South Africa. He is therefore pleased to welcome them back to their alma mater. He equally welcomed the partnership and expressed the willingness of APIS in partnering with MeCAHT to improve on global peace work, human trafficking, rehabilitation, and security initiatives.
Key areas of the collaboration include enhancing security and humanitarian work, recalibrating the safe house project in Nigeria in line with international standards.
He assured MeCAHT of APIS’ readiness to collaborate and described the partnership as a mutually beneficial opportunity. The meeting concluded with discussions on drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the relationship and lay the groundwork for long-term cooperation.
Earlier in the meeting, MeCAHT International Executive Director in London, Anne Abok expressed her delight at returning to APIS, where she completed her postgraduate program in the area of rehabilitation and peace management. She acknowledged the impact the institute has had on her professional journey and noted that several MeCAHT staff members are also APIS alumni. She expressed strong optimism that the partnership would significantly enhance the quality and scope of humanitarian efforts in addressing human trafficking and related social issues.
Dafir Zughumnaan
Media Aide to
Prof Danladi Abok Atu
APIS (Nigeria)
