A/HRC/41/46/Add.1 The main challenges identified by civil society organizations and survivors relate to corruption; a lack of confidence in the judicial system; a lack of training on and specialized knowledge of trafficking in persons among law enforcement officials, police departments, judges and prosecutors; a lack of will to prosecute high-level perpetrators; and lengthy judicial proceedings leading to delayed, and hence denied, justice. 63. Coordination between the Agency and law enforcement officials should be improved to ensure better synergies between investigators, prosecutors and counsellors at the investigation phase, in order to tackle trafficking in a holistic manner. Better coordination, including with regard to investigation and prosecution, should be ensured between the Agency and state initiatives, such as the Edo State task force, to avoid overlapping functions and maximize cooperation in the interest of the victims. 64. Another major challenge is that investigation and prosecution still rely heavily on the testimony of victims, often resulting in cases being dropped for lack of evidence and, in some instances, pressure from family members to withdraw the complaint, especially when they are operating in connivance with the traffickers. In 2011, the Evidence Act was reenacted and section 84 provides the option of producing electronic evidence in courts by, for instance, video-linked interviews. That is a positive development that should be encouraged, together with other ways of securing and corroborating evidence not requiring the physical presence of a victim. 65. Another promising initiative that the Special Rapporteur was pleased to learn about is the Joint Border Task Force, a project that was initiated by the Government of the United Kingdom in 2015, in cooperation with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, and is aimed at building the capacity of Nigerian law enforcement officers in investigating and prosecuting traffickers, building confidence among crossborder law enforcement agencies and creating an environment conducive to joint investigations. Through the experience of the Joint Border Task Force, the Special Rapporteur was pleased to note that, when provided with the necessary equipment, funding and training, investigators from the Agency could be credible and reliable interlocutors in the fight against trafficking in persons. 66. Notwithstanding those promising initiatives, the Special Rapporteur notes that the Nigerian authorities and the general public continue to see trafficking as being exclusively perpetrated for sexual exploitation. In addition, victims suffer from a lack of empathy, especially those who started their journey voluntarily in search of a better life and became exploited in transit and destination countries. The mere fact that they started their journey voluntarily is often considered a free choice rather than the result of the sophisticated modus operandi of organized crime networks. 67. Furthermore, in the narratives of victims and survivors, the role of corrupt law enforcement officers has often been highlighted. Special attention should be paid by the investigative authorities to the possible involvement or collusion of public officials with trafficking rings. 68. Access to justice for victims of trafficking has been fraught with challenges. The establishment of the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund is a welcome step; however, 10 years after its establishment, it is time that the Fund is effectively implemented and funded for the benefits of victims. Throughout her discussions with various stakeholders, the Special Rapporteur did not receive any information on compensation being awarded so far to victims of trafficking. F. Prevention 69. Prevention of trafficking in persons was identified as one of the main priorities during the visit. For strategies aimed at preventing trafficking the factors that increase vulnerability to trafficking, including displacement, economic and gender inequality, poverty and unemployment, should be analysed. For instance, during her discussions with communities, faith-based organizations, civil society and local academics, the Special Rapporteur was informed that in many communities and ethnic groups in Edo State, 13