Stay updated with Nigat Global Initiative’s latest news, activities, and milestones. Together, we are building pathways to freedom, dignity, and opportunity
Nigat Global Initiative participates in UNODC Constructive Dialogue on the Smuggling of Migrants – Vienna, Austria October 2025
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![An honor to join Member States, UNODC, and global partners at the Constructive Dialogue on the Smuggling of Migrants — advancing stronger, more humane responses that center dignity, justice, and cooperation.]()
Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) was honored to take part in the UNODC Constructive Dialogue on the Smuggling of Migrants held in Vienna, alongside Member States, UN agencies, and civil society organizations from across the world.
The dialogue focused on strengthening cooperation under the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants. It provided an important space for states and civil society to share progress, challenges, and practical solutions within the Review Mechanism.
Representing NGI as a panelist, Daniel Melese Areda, Founder and CEO, shared lessons from Ethiopia and the wider Global South. He emphasized that:
- Smuggled migrants are not criminals and deserve humane treatment.
- Vulnerability screening at first contact is vital for children, women, and persons with disabilities.
- Safe and coordinated repatriation must be guaranteed for all victims.
The session also highlighted new opportunities for collaboration, including regional and sub-regional hubs, UNODC’s e-learning platforms, and capacity-building schemes for both civil society and law enforcement units. Encouragingly, the dialogue recognized cyber scam compounds as an emerging global threat linked to transnational organized crime.
Daniel also underlined the importance of using financial intelligence and investigations to trace the profits that drive migrant smuggling and trafficking networks.
“When protection moves from paper to practice, freedom becomes real. At Nigat, we believe every migrant deserves dignity, safety, and justice.” — Daniel Melese Areda, CEO, Nigat Global Initiative
NGI looks forward to contributing to the upcoming online stakeholder review on scam-related exploitation, and to continued collaboration with governments, civil society, and UN partners to ensure that protection, dignity, and justice become a reality for all migrants.
Ethiopia’s 2025 TIP Report: A Reflection from Nigat Global Initiative - September 2025
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The U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report placed Ethiopia on Tier 2. The report acknowledges progress in some areas, including more prosecutions, stronger oversight of recruitment agencies, and the opening of a government-run shelter in Dire Dawa. At the same time, it highlights urgent gaps. Migrant workers remain unprotected abroad, especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Internal trafficking, including child domestic servitude and rural–urban exploitation, is largely overlooked. Survivors who return home face very limited reintegration opportunities, with only one government-run shelter serving the entire country.
These gaps are not abstract. They are lived realities that we see every day. A shelter in Addis Ababa recently closed because of funding shortages. Families are desperately searching for a child trafficked to Thailand. A young survivor has returned home, urgently needing reintegration, but with no system ready to receive and support them. The TIP Report may summarize the state of efforts, but behind each line are people whose futures hang in the balance.
At Nigat Global Initiative, these are not statistics. They are the faces, voices, and lives of those we serve. Where migrant workers are abandoned, we raise their voices through advocacy and storytelling, bringing exploitation in the Gulf and in Southeast Asia scam compounds to global attention. Where children are pushed into invisible labor, we empower communities and youth with knowledge, resilience, and safe alternatives. Where survivors return with nothing, we restore dignity through livelihoods, trauma-informed care, and peer support. And where the system falls short, we amplify survivor leadership, build coalitions, and press for political will so that protection becomes a duty, not an afterthought.
Ethiopia’s Tier 2 ranking reflects both recognition and responsibility. Yet across East Africa and the wider continent, the picture is similar: too many victims, too little protection, and too few reintegration pathways. The global fight against trafficking cannot be won if Africa remains under-resourced and overlooked. To ignore this is to leave millions at risk and to weaken the global struggle for justice and freedom.
The 2025 TIP Report is more than a scorecard. It is a mirror of our struggle and a call to action. The gaps it identifies are real and urgent, and they require courageous, collective response. We are deeply grateful to the partners who already walk with us. Your support proves that change is possible. And we invite more governments, donors, and allies to join us in building lasting systems of justice, protection, and freedom for survivors and vulnerable youth.
At Nigat Global Initiative, we believe that progress is possible when survivors are at the center, communities are empowered, and partnerships are rooted in dignity and justice. The TIP Report points to the challenges. Together, we can be the answer.
Partner with us in shaping an Africa where no child, woman, or man is left behind in the fight against trafficking. Contact us at contact@nigatglobal.org.
Transforming Futures: Livelihood Impact Fund (LIF) Partners with Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) - September 2025
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Nigat Global Initiative is honored to be supported by the global migration initiative of the Livelihood Impact Fund (LIF).
At a time when young Africans are being trapped in scam centers across Southeast Asia and exploited through unsafe migration routes in the Middle East, LIF is supporting Nigat’s work to prevent exploitation before it happens, and open sustainable pathways to jobs and livelihoods that can transform families and communities for generations.
This partnership fuels NGI’s long-term vision of systemic change, where survivors lead, youth thrive, and justice and opportunity become the standard. We are excited about this collaboration and the hope it will bring as we work together for a future where freedom and dignity prevail.
Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) and Free the Slaves (FTS) Form Strategic Partnership
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – September 2025
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We are glad to share that Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) and Free the Slaves (FTS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collective action against human trafficking, slavery, and exploitation.
This collaboration brings together NGI’s survivor-centered, Ethiopian-rooted approaches with FTS’s global reach and advocacy strength. Together, we will open new possibilities for joint research, survivor-informed programming, advocacy, and resource mobilization to address both existing and emerging trafficking trends.
At the heart of this partnership lies a shared commitment: dignity, justice, and the empowerment of survivors, vulnerable communities, and those most at risk.
We invite governments, civil society, faith communities, and global partners to join us in this mission. Together, we believe freedom is not only possible, it is unstoppable.
Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) Featured in July MRP Newsletter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – August 2025
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We are honored that Nigat Global Initiative was featured in the July edition of the Regional Migrant Response Plan (MRP) newsletter. The mention highlights our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, support survivors, and advocate for systemic change.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share our work with a wider audience through MRP’s respected platform. Partnerships and visibility like this are vital for amplifying the voices of survivors and building stronger global collaboration against exploitation.
Read the feature : https://mailchi.mp/a6ee623d91b9/mrp-newsletter-may-in-review-10339268?e=cbac317386
Nigat Global Initiative (MGI) and IOM Ethiopia Explore Potential Partnership to Strengthen Migration and Protection Responses.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 1 July 2025
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Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) recently met with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ethiopia to discuss potential areas of collaboration that align with both organizations’ missions to protect vulnerable communities and advance safe and dignified migration pathways.
During the meeting, representatives from NGI and IOM engaged in an insightful exchange about current migration dynamics in Ethiopia and the wider region, as well as shared priorities in areas such as:
- Counter-trafficking and protection of victims of trafficking
- Safe and voluntary return and reintegration of migrants
- Community stabilization and resilience-building in migration-affected areas
- Data and research to inform evidence-based migration programming
- Advocacy and awareness-raising on migration risks and safe migration practices
NGI shared updates on its ongoing work in anti-trafficking interventions, survivor reintegration, community engagement, and capacity building efforts across Ethiopia. Both parties expressed strong interest in exploring collaborative initiatives that could leverage their respective expertise, networks, and resources to create meaningful impact for migrants, returnees, and vulnerable populations.
“We are encouraged by the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that emerged from our discussion with IOM,” said Daniel Melese Areda, Founder and CEO of Nigat Global Initiative. “Together, we see opportunities to strengthen protection systems, enhance reintegration support, and advocate for safer migration pathways for Ethiopians and others affected by migration challenges.”
IOM Ethiopia representatives welcomed the dialogue, highlighting the importance of partnerships with local actors like NGI to deliver community-centered and sustainable solutions.
NGI looks forward to continued engagement with IOM Ethiopia to identify concrete areas of partnership and contribute collectively to migration management and protection efforts in the country.
Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) Completes Five-Part Social Media Campaign and Four Radio Broadcasts on Scam Center Trafficking - July 2025
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Nigat Global Initiative is proud to announce the successful completion of five series of our social media campaign and 4 radio broadcast raising awareness about the trafficking of Ethiopian youth into scam centers in Southeast Asia.
These powerful online efforts have been complemented by four impactful radio campaigns aired across Ethiopia, focusing on the stories of victims trafficked to scam centers in Myanmar and the urgent need for collective action and protection.
At Nigat Global Initiative, we remain deeply committed to amplifying survivors’ voices, informing communities, and advocating for strong measures to combat human trafficking. Thank you to everyone who has supported and engaged with our campaigns. Together, we can make a difference.
📢 Follow us on social media to read and share these insights:
We Are Releasing Our Findings — Join Us Online
June 2025
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Nigat Global Initiative is proud to begin releasing the findings of our recent assessment on Ethiopian trafficking survivors returning from scam centers in Southeast Asia.
These findings are based on testimonies from survivors aged 21 to 40 — including nurses, engineers, students, and professionals — who were trafficked to scam operations across Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
Over the next two weeks, we are sharing the key findings publicly through a 5-part social media series on:
- Recruitment methods
- Types of abuse and trauma
- Gender-based violence
- Reintegration challenges in Ethiopia
- Survivor-centered recommendations for change
📢 Follow us on social media to read and share these insights:
🔗 LinkedIn – Nigat Global Initiative
🔗 Facebook – Nigat Global Initiative
Each post includes data, survivor perspectives, and policy calls to action. We invite partners, donors, civil society, and government stakeholders to engage with the series and share your thoughts.
Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) Joins the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW) - April 2025
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We are thrilled to announce that Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) has officially become a member of the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW)! This is an exciting milestone for our organization, and we are extremely excited about the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organizations around the world to address human trafficking, exploitation, and migration issues.
As part of the GAATW network, NGI will work alongside a global community of activists, researchers, and policymakers to promote human rights, advocate for the rights of trafficked persons, and support sustainable solutions for migrant workers and survivors of trafficking.
We look forward to contributing to GAATW's mission and learning from the wealth of knowledge within the network. Our engagement will further strengthen our efforts to advocate for dignity, justice, and equality for all individuals.
Stay tuned for more updates as we begin to engage with GAATW and its thematic groups!
Nigat Global Initiative CEO Daniel Melese Areda Speaks at International Conference on Forced Displacement - April 2025
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![Daniel Melese Areda, Founder and CEO of Nigat Global Initiative, speaking as a panelist at the International Conference on Global South Perspectives on Forced Displacement, held at Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa, April 2025.]()
We are proud to share that Daniel Melese Areda, Founder and CEO of Nigat Global Initiative, recently participated as a panelist at the International Conference on Global South Perspectives on Forced Displacement, hosted by Addis Ababa University in collaboration with the Global Secretariat for Sustainable Solutions to Displacement.
Held at Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa, from April 24–25, 2025, the two-day conference brought together scholars, policymakers, international organizations, and practitioners from across Africa, Canada, and beyond to explore durable solutions to displacement, migration, and forced movement.
During the panel discussion on innovative returnee reintegration programs, Daniel shared Nigat Global Initiative's pioneering approach through the Siket Program — an initiative launched to support Ethiopian returnees from scam centers in Southeast Asia.
He highlighted how Siket provides holistic reintegration support, including:- Emergency reception assistance
- Psychosocial support
- Livelihood restoration
- Survivor-led prevention activities
- Collaboration with authorities to pursue criminal accountability, &
- Evidence generation to inform policy and practice.
Daniel emphasized that true reintegration must go beyond return — it must offer survivors restoration, dignity, and real opportunities.
He also reflected on the changing global funding landscape. He underscored the importance of African-led solutions, sustainable financing models, and engaging both traditional and non-traditional partners — including the private sector through corporate social responsibility.
At Nigat, we believe that survivors deserve more than just return; they deserve to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
We are committed to shining a light on injustice and building pathways to freedom, opportunity, and resilience.Together, we can create sustainable solutions for displaced and vulnerable communities across Ethiopia and beyond.
Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) is preparing to release a groundbreaking assessment on a rising form of trafficking targeting Ethiopian migrants - April 2025
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This assessment focuses on survivors trafficked to scam centers operating along the Thailand–Myanmar border — an emerging, underreported route where victims are lured with false job offers and then coerced into digital labor under abusive conditions.
Based on in-depth interviews with survivors, this report documents:
- The methods of recruitment and deception
- Conditions inside scam centers
- Physical, psychological, and financial exploitation
- Survivors’ immediate and long-term needs
- Clear recommendations for reintegration and prevention
This work was conducted with full voluntary participation, informed consent, and deep respect for the safety, dignity, and privacy of every survivor involved. Nigat is committed to amplifying voices — never exploiting them.
- The full Siket Assessment Report will be published soon.
For media inquiries or collaboration, please reachout to us at contact@nigatglobal.org
Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) Launches “Siket Ethiopia” with First Grant to Support Survivors of Trafficking in Southeast Asia - March 2025
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We are proud to announce the launch of Seket Ethiopia, a new program under Nigat Global Initiative that supports Ethiopian men and women trafficked to scam centers in Southeast Asia. This work is made possible through our first institutional grant—secured just three months after our official registration.
This strategic funding builds on the courageous efforts of frontline partners who have been helping survivors return home. With “Siket Ethiopia,” Nigat will now lead the reintegration response in Ethiopia, providing critical support to those who return after facing unimaginable exploitation.
Through this program, we will offer:
• Psychosocial support to help survivors process trauma
• Reintegration assistance to reconnect with families and communities
• Livelihood pathways to promote dignity, recovery, and independence
The word “Siket” [Success] reflects our commitment to standing with survivors, defending their rights, and restoring what trafficking tried to take from them—hope, belonging, and a future.
This is more than a program—it is a movement rooted in justice, compassion, and African-led solutions.
We are deeply thankful to our funding partner for recognizing the urgency of this crisis and trusting Nigat to respond.
Join us. Stand with survivors. Help us build a world where every individual, wherever they are, can live and move in freedom and dignity.
—Daniel Melese Areda, CEO, Nigat Global Initiative
We’re Now a Member of the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN)! - March 2025
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Photo : EAPN logo
Nigat Global Initiative is proud to announce that we are now a member of the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN) — a regional network that brings together philanthropic organizations committed to collaborative action, learning, and systems change across East Africa.
This membership strengthens our commitment to transformative, African-led solutions and expands our ability to learn, connect, and contribute to regional philanthropy that is rooted in justice, dignity, and sustainability.
Together, we are part of a growing movement to unlock the full potential of philanthropy in Africa.
#Migration #combattingtraffikcing #Reintegration #ClimateResilience #Livelihoods #NigatGlobalInitiative#EAPN
Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) Completes a Study on Migration and Livelihood Challenges in Gedeb Hassassa, West Arsi, Oromia Regional State - March 2025
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Photo : Wheat seed
At Nigat Global Initiative, we are committed to addressing the root causes of irregular migration by promoting sustainable livelihoods and reintegration support. As part of our ongoing efforts, we have just concluded a brief study on Gedeb Hassassa Woreda in West Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, a community heavily impacted by economic vulnerability, climate change, and migration pressures.
Key Findings from the Study:
- High Migration & Returnee Challenges – With alarming number of registered returnees, Gedeb Hassassa faces one of the highest reintegration challenges in Ethiopia. Many returnees lack stable employment and are at risk of re-migration, exploitation and trafficking.
- Climate & Agricultural Vulnerability – The community depends primamrily on wheat production, but climate variability, poor soil fertility, and lack of enough irrigation infrastructure have led to declining productivity and food insecurity.
- Limited Employment Opportunities & Skills Gap – The TVET center provides vocational training, but no local job placement agencies exist. This forces youth to either travel to other towns for legal employment especially for overseas employment or resort to irregular migration.- No NGOs Currently Addressing Reintegration – Despite the growing number of returnees, no reintegration-focused NGOs are operating in the woreda, leaving a critical gap in support services.
Follow us for updates on this initiative!
#Migration #Reintegration #ClimateResilience #Livelihoods #NigatGlobalInitiative
Exploring Partnership with Night Light International: Bangkok, Thailand - March 2025
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Photo from Left to Right : Annie Dieselberg, CEO & Founder of NightLight International; Renay West, Therapist; Daniel Melese Areda, CEO & Founder of Nigat Global Initiative; and Dan Turbiak, Assistant to the CEO & Founder of NightLight International.
At Nigat Global Initiative, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. This week, we had a productive conversation with NightLight International (https://www.nightlightinternational.com), a Bangkok-based organization working to combat human trafficking and exploitation.
Our discussion focused on potential collaboration in key areas, including survivor support, economic empowerment, sustainable reintegration, and community-based interventions. With our shared commitment to freedom, dignity, and justice, we are excited about the possibilities ahead.
As we continue these discussions, we remain dedicated to building partnerships that strengthen our impact in Ethiopia and beyond. Stay tuned for updates as we explore ways to work together in the fight against modern slavery and human rights abuses.
Would you like to join us in this mission? Connect with us to learn more about our work and how you can be part of the movement!
#NigatGlobalInitiative #Partnership #EndHumanTrafficking #NightLightInternational #FreedomForAll
Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) Participates in PSPC2025 Conference: Bangkok, Thailand – March 2025
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Photo : Participants of PSPC2025
Nigat Global Initiative is committed to advancing global conversations on human rights, modern slavery, migration, and systems change. As part of this mission, our CEO, Daniel Melese Areda, recently participated in the PSPC 2025 Conference in Bangkok.
The conference brought together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss innovative strategies for human rights protection, survivor empowerment, and sustainable development. Our participation provided a valuable opportunity to share insights, build networks, and explore solutions that can drive meaningful impact in Ethiopia and beyond.
📸 A moment from PSPC 2025—bringing together global voices for impactful discussions on human rights, migration, and modern slavery solutions!
For more details about PSPC 2025, visit: PSPC Conference Website
Stay connected as we continue to engage in international platforms, advocate for systemic change, and strengthen our work for a world free from exploitation.
📌 #NigatGlobalInitiative #PSPC2025 #HumanRights #EndModernSlavery #GlobalCollaboration
Nigat’s board meeting!
Nov 25, 2024
Golden Tulip Hotel
Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Nigat Global Initiative: Inaugural Board Meeting
The last inaugural board meeting of Nigat Global Initiative was held on November 25, 2024, at Golden Tulip, Addis Ababa, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by lunch. This milestone event brought the organization’s board members to finalize key governance structures, solidify leadership roles, and set the foundation for impactful initiatives.
This meeting represents a significant step in advancing the mission of Nigat Global Initiative to empower individuals, foster resilience, and create systems-level change.
Inspirational Quotes and Themes!
“We work to eradicate all forms of slavery and human rights abuses, empowering survivors, challenging systems of exploitation, and advocating for a world where everyone lives with dignity, justice, and equality.” NGI team
"Africa faces a critical need to address its growing unemployment rate among youth. Without investment in education, skills, and infrastructure, millions risk being left behind." (World Bank)
"Freedom thrives not only in the absence of oppression but in the presence of supportive systems that enable people to live freely and fully realize their potential." NGI team
“True systems change begins at the root—by bridging grassroots efforts with high-level advocacy, empowering communities, and building capacity for sustainable solutions." NGI Team