14/08/2026
Many people, especially youth, continue to embark on dangerous journeys in search of safety, livelihoods and better opportunities. Lured by fake job offers, online scams and illegal smuggling networks, many find themselves exposed to exploitation, trafficking, detention, deportation or forced return.
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According to the 2026 World Migration Report of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), there were an estimated 304 million international migrants worldwide by mid-2024, representing about 3.7 percent of the global population. IOM warns that restricting safe and regular migration pathways does not stop migration but can push people into more irregular and dangerous routes, increasing risks for migrants and costs for states. . .
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Since 2017, the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) has helped potential migrants make informed decisions through awareness campaigns, media outreach, theological education, counselling, psychosocial support and livelihood assistance. The initiative has supported returnees and survivors of human trafficking, inspiring similar church-based initiatives in other countries, said Rev. Emmanuel Subewope Gabriel, the SoH project's country director. LCCN has also designated 2 August as a National Day of Prayer against Trafficking, demonstrating how prayer, public witness and community mobilization can help confront trafficking.
Read more about LWF's article on "Creating hope, protecting lives, promoting safe migration"from this link
Webinar highlights church initiatives to protect migrants and provide alternative alternatives (LWI) - Many people, especially youth, continue to embark on dangerous journeys in search of safety, livelihoods and better opportunities.…