1. Introduction

Internal migration within Africa has grown significantly in recent times, increasing from 15 million in 2000 to 25 million in 2017, a 67% increase that represents an annual average growth rate of 2.8% per year. Indications are that migration to Africa also experienced tremendous growth in recent years, increasing from just below 2.5 million in 1990 to more than 5 million in 2017. Africa in general and West Africa, in particular, have become a hub for irregular migration and human trafficking; and this is a major problem for the continent and its stakeholders. The reasons for such phenomena are many and varied. Among others, and to name but a few, we could point to the fact that the region is experiencing political instability with deep economic turbulences; extreme poverty causing a widespread desire among poor populations to migrate in search of better living conditions in the region or further afield; as well as traditional cultural practices such as widow inheritance causing women to flee from their villages hence falling into the hands of, in particular, even paying to be smuggled across borders. Furthermore, it has been noticed that West Africa has - compared to other regions - rather accessible/ organised migration routes for migrants destined to Europe, with flourishing networks and business for traffickers and smugglers. In the face of such a deplorable situation, corruption and lack of systematic cooperation and coordination among nations in the region has made it difficult and almost impossible for the various countries in the region to dismantle the phenomenon.

Young people live in a world of unlimited potential where they constitute a tremendous and essential asset and a door to unparalleled multiplier effect

When offered the right tools and motivation, young people can change the continent. AACC recognizes that the future of the continent lies in the potential of it young people as powerful agents of change and development. Moreover, the youth have a great opportunity to prevent and counter vices such as irregular migration and Trafficking in Persons.

Through its flagship program “Africa my Future My Home” AACC seeks to work closely with the Youth in the West and Central African Sub- Region to play proactive roles in preventing and combating trafficking in persons and modern slavery/ forced migration as well as developing systems and mechanisms that can protect and assist the victims of modern slavery, forced migration and trafficking, with full respect for their human rights and dignity.

      2. Objective

The webinar will engage selected young people in the West and Central African Sub – Region to heighten their capacity in advocacy and create an online platform for the sharing of messages on issues relating to migration, trafficking in persons and modern slavery.

Also, the online platform will enhance the communication and advocacy efforts of young people in the sub region in migration related activities

      3. Methodology

This will be a one- day webinar which will be attended by selected youth participants from AACC Member Churches

      4. Expected Outcomes

At the end of the consultation, it is expected that: -

1. An online platform is created for young people from AACC member churches in West Africa to have collaborative efforts among themselves in terms of advocacy on migration, trafficking in person and modern slavery;
2. Young people from AACC member churches in West Africa will be more informed about migration trends in the region for an evidence-based advocacy;

• Young people should be equipped to engage their peers at the All Africa Youth Congress in Accra, Ghana on migration issues in the West African Sub-Region

     5. Participants: Approximate number of ten (10) Youth Representatives from:

1. DRC
2. Nigeria
3. Ghana
4. Liberia
5. Senegal
6. Guinea
7. Niger
8. Gambia
9. Togo
10. Sierra-Leone
11. Benin
12. Burkina Faso
13. Cameroon
14. Central African Republic
15. Cote d’ivoire
16. Congo Brazzaville
17. Equatorial Guinea
18. Gabon

   6. Dates and Venue

       The meeting will be online and will take place on 24th June, 2022

    7. Registration

        To register for the webinar, click on the link https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i7uoYnwdSmSLNIEnz-8kOQ