Music and dance as a means to raise awareness and prevent crime. It was against this backdrop that the Blue Heart campaign in Senegal was launched on 29 July at the Daniel Sorano theatre in Dakar to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
This event was organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) as part of the PROMIS project, with financial support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, under the auspices of the National Committee to fight against Trafficking in Persons (CNLTP), and the Senegalese Ministry of Justice.
Internationally acclaimed artists such as Alexiane Silla, the Senegalese-Canadian singer with a captivating voice, Coumba Gawlo, the diva with the golden voice, and VJ, the rising star, performed on stage in front of a large audience with the six young musical talents who were finalists in the 'Sing for Justice' competition: Mariama Cham, Pape Abdoulaye Dieng and students from Sénégal Génie Musique, Boun Oumar Ndiaye, Lansana Sane, François Sène and Khady Pouye.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the award by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Senegal, Ms Aminata Maiga, Alexiane, VJ and Coumba Gawlo to Mariama Cham, a young singer, songwriter and musician from Gambia, who won the 'Sing for Justice' prize. "I have always desired to convey important messages through my music, and tonight I had the opportunity to do just that. I would also like to extend my congratulations to the other finalists, who were equally deserving of this prize," the young woman expressed in her gratitude.
The guests included several ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps in Senegal, staff from various United Nations agencies and other international and national organisations, as well as many young Senegalese from the Dakar region. They all enjoyed an evening filled with surprises, music, and singing.
The ceremony began with an introduction by Annalisa Pauciullo, Regional Coordinator of UNODC's Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Unit, who highlighted the crucial contributions of various governments, international organisations, and diplomatic missions in Senegal, Specifically, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who is providing financial support for the PROMIS project, which has enabled this event to take place.
Following her remarks, Mr. Kameldy Neldjingaye, UNODC Deputy Regional Representative, delivered a speech before the concert began. He concluded by stating that, "It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words, but tonight I will make a short speech in order to make room for the melodies of our artists. Their power will undoubtedly evoke countless images and feelings in your minds and hearts".
This year's theme is specifically, "Every victim of trafficking in persons counts, leave no one behind". Indeed, every victim counts. Many may question the appropriateness of commemorating such a significant day with a concert. However, there is no better way to convey a message than through music and art, while touching people's hearts and minds.
More than 450,000 people (detected victims) were affected by trafficking worldwide between 2003 and 2021 according to the UNODC GLOTIP 2022 which has the largest database on trafficking. Unfortunately, trafficking spares no social environment. Young women from respectable backgrounds, aspiring to study abroad, fell victim to trafficking schemes after encountering deceptive online advertisements.
The 'Blue Heart' campaign is an initiative aimed at raising public awareness to fight against trafficking in persons and its impact on society. The Blue Heart symbolises the sadness of those who are trafficked while reminding us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy, sell or exploit their fellow human beings. In addition, the Blue Heart campaign seeks to encourage the participation of governments, civil society, the private sector and individuals to inspire action and help prevent human trafficking.
It is important to note that after the launch of the Blue Heart campaign, finalists in the singing competition were offered a one-week masterclass in collaboration with the Éveil et Musiques music school. In addition, each international artist—Alexiane Silla, Coumba Gawlo, and VJ—conducted a mentoring session for the young individuals, sharing insights from their personal experiences in the music industry. These discussions highlighted the connection to human trafficking, as promising talents, including the finalists, may encounter exploitative traffickers who prey on the aspirations and eagerness of individuals willing to work: women, children, men, young and old people. Unfortunately, no one is safe.
You can also join the Blue Heart campaign to fight against trafficking in persons by using the hashtag: #EndHumanTrafficking and follow us on our social media pages:
Twitter : @TIPSOM_WCA
Facebook : UNODC West and Central Africa
Instagram : unodc_west_centralafrica
Tiktok : unodc_westcentralafrica
For more information, visit the UNODC West Africa website : https://www.unodc.org/westandcentralafrica/en/westandcentralafrica/stories/2023/journe-mondiale-de-la-lutte-contre-la-traite-dtres-humains---campagne-coeur-bleu.html
