On July 30, 2024, Zambia joined the global community in commemorating the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons under the theme “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons.” This year’s observance focused on the vulnerability of children, who are often subjected to various forms of trafficking, including forced labour, sexual exploitation and illegal adoption. According to the UNODC’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, one in three victims of human trafficking is a child, underscoring the urgent need for accelerated action to protect them.
The participation of diverse groups, including law enforcement agencies, NGOs and community members, highlighted the collective commitment to combating this heinous crime. It served as a powerful statement of unity and resolve in the fight against human trafficking.
Deputy Director Mr. Achaje Magai opened the proceedings with a passionate address, emphasizing the importance of the day’s theme. “As we gather to commemorate the World Day Against Human Trafficking, we focus on a crucial theme: ‘Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.’ This theme underscores our unwavering commitment to protect every child from the horrors of human trafficking and exploitation. It reminds us of our shared responsibility to create a world where every child can grow up safe, free and with dignity.”
Mr. Magai reported that, up to the second quarter of this year, the department recorded 13 cases of human trafficking, involving 33 victims, the majority of whom were children. “We have made significant strides in our fight against human trafficking, but our work is far from over,” he added, calling for continued efforts and stronger partnerships to eradicate this crime.
The Deputy Director also highlighted the department’s efforts to train over 2,000 law enforcement officers in 2024, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle human trafficking effectively. This initiative has been carried out in partnership with TAKUZA and other stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of continued community engagement and awareness-raising campaigns, which have already reached vulnerable areas like Kalingalinga, empowering communities to recognize and report signs of trafficking.
Speaking on behalf of Save the Children Zambia, Country Director Mr. Makunu Makunu – Director for Program Development and Quality delivered a powerful message, aligning the organization’s mission with the event’s theme. He presented sobering global statistics on human trafficking, he highlighted the various forms of child trafficking prevalent in Zambia, from forced labour in agriculture and mining to sexual exploitation. “Human trafficking robs children of their childhoods and subjects them to unimaginable human rights violations. In Zambia, traffickers exploit women and children from rural areas,” he stated. However, he also spoke of hope and resilience, advocating for the empowerment of children through peer education, art and media campaigns and community engagement.
The event also marked the official kick-off of the Comprehensive Bilateral Anti-Human Trafficking Program between the U.S. State Department and the Government of Zambia. U.S. Embassy Zambia’s Chargé d’Affaires Linnisa Wahid presented the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security with an implementation document for the Partnership to Prevent Trafficking in Persons Project (P2P), a project which will be implemented by Save the Children, YWCA and UP Zambia. She reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting these initiatives through a $12 million provision over five years. This significant investment is aimed at strengthening Zambia’s capacity to combat human trafficking through enhanced law enforcement, victim support services and community awareness programs.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission Keisha Livermore handed over Trafficking in Persons tools and the JTIP report for criminal justice institutions to Permanent Secretary Mr. Dickson Matembo. These tools are designed to build the capacity of criminal justice institutions in handling human trafficking cases, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice and that victims receive the support they need.
In his closing remarks, the Guest of Honor, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Permanent Secretary Mr. Dickson Matembo, emphasized the need for concerted efforts at both national and international levels to address the complex issue of human trafficking. “Addressing human trafficking requires a multifaceted approach. We must prioritize child protection, bolster legislation, improve law enforcement and allocate more resources to fight child trafficking,” he concluded.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons event in Lusaka was not just a commemoration but a call to action. The speeches, the march and the partnerships formed underscored a shared commitment to ending human trafficking. As Zambia continues to strengthen its response to human trafficking, events like these serve as vital platforms for raising awareness, mobilizing resources and reaffirming the commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of society. The day reminded everyone that the fight against trafficking is far from over and that it requires the collective efforts of all.
Together, we can build a future where every child is safe, cherished and free from the horrors of trafficking.