By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
The UN will continue supporting Zimbabwe through strengthening technical cooperation in the fight against human trafficking while working towards addressing the root causes, an official has said.
Speaking at the launch of Zimbabwe Anti Trafficking in Persons National Plan of Action, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, said due to the complex and evolving nature of tactics applied by traffickers and limited understanding of the various forms of trafficking in persons, many survivors of trafficking are unable to self-identify as victims.
“All said and done, at the root of human trafficking is conflict, economic and social destitution, political and religious persecution where survivors opt to seek opportunity for better life or take a flight to save their lives,” Mr Kallon said.
“In this regard, creating a common national and regional positive narrative accompanied by real economic, social and political opportunities and coordinated bilateral and regional labour migration frameworks can deter human trafficking.”
He said he hoped that the Plan of Action addresses the four pillars of anti-trafficking interventions, namely Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.
“I would like to recognize and commend the leading role played by IOM from the UN side to ensure Government’s effort is strengthened to counter trafficking in persons since 2005.
“IOM as one of our lead entities has over the years developed internal capacity; created and sustained important national networks and cultivated enough experience to implement large scale counter trafficking programmes in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“This plan will not only serve to boost collaborative efforts to counter human trafficking but also measure progress in our collective efforts to combat the scourge.”
The Plan of Action will provide national direction and assist development partners in mobilizing the necessary resources to support the fight against human trafficking in a holistic and well-coordinated manner.
The launch comes at a time when the menace of human trafficking remains a challenge for Zimbabwe despite spirited efforts by the Government and other actors to curb it.
Mr Kallon said the United Nations Family in Zimbabwe recognised the efforts made by the Government – at policy, legal and institutional levels –to fight human trafficking.
The Government took concrete steps to strengthen the legislative framework on trafficking in persons, raise awareness on these crimes, and develop new institutions to tackle them.
About Author
