By Thabisani Dube

Human trafficking is a modern-day scourge that affects millions of people worldwide, including Zimbabwe. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), there are an estimated 40.3 million victims of modern slavery worldwide. In Zimbabwe, human trafficking is a significant problem, with thousands of people, mostly women and children, being trafficked within the country’s borders and beyond. The Trafficking in Persons Report 2022 estimates that there are over 300,000 victims of human trafficking in Zimbabwe.

Internal trafficking is prevalent and underreported, with traffickers exploiting Zimbabwean adults and children in sex trafficking and forced labour, including in cattle herding, domestic service, and mining in gold and diamond sectors. More than 71 percent of child labour occurs in the agriculture sector, where children are forced to weed, spray, harvest, and pack goods on tobacco, sugarcane, and cotton farms, as well as in forestry and fishing sectors.

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has launched an anti-human trafficking campaign aimed at raising awareness about the issue and promoting prayer against human trafficking.
“We are concerned about the scourge of human trafficking in Zimbabwe. As a Church, we are committed to protecting the dignity and rights of all human beings, and we will not stand idly while our brothers and sisters are being exploited and trafficked,” said Sr. Theresa Nyadombo, ZCBC National Coordinator for Safeguarding.

The ZCBC’s anti-human trafficking campaign aligns with the Church’s broader mission in several key ways. The campaign promotes human dignity by highlighting the violation of this fundamental right and advocating for the well-being of vulnerable populations. It also reinforces the Church’s long history of serving marginalised groups by raising awareness about the plight of trafficking victims and working to provide them with support and resources.

The educational and advocacy components of the campaign align with the Church’s mission to inform and empower its members to act against injustice. Furthermore, the ZCBC’s efforts to combat trafficking reflect the Church’s commitment to social justice, as the campaign aims to address the root causes of trafficking, such as poverty and inequality.
“We must work together to create a world where every human being is treated with dignity and respect, and where no one is for sale,” said Fr. Mgcini Moyo, National Pastoral Coordinator for the ZCBC.

The ZCBC’s anti-human trafficking campaign seeks to educate the public on the signs of human trafficking and encourage vigilance in reporting suspicious activities. The Church is also working with other stakeholders, including the government and civil society organisations, to provide support and protection to victims of human trafficking.

Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said the Government of Zimbabwe has also taken significant steps to combat human trafficking. In 2023, the government adopted an Anti-Trafficking National Plan of Action (NAPLAC) running from 2023-2028. The NAPLAC is the foremost response strategy to Trafficking in Persons (TIP), underpinned by four pillars: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnerships. Under the Prosecution pillar, the government aims to enhance prosecution capacity through the development of a training manual for judicial officers, trainings, and the establishment of victim-friendly courts for TIP cases. The government has also intercepted possible victims and secured several convictions with sentences of imprisonment.

The Protection strategy involves upgrading safe shelters, providing training for community frontline workers and service providers, and compiling a directory of TIP-related service providers. The government has also repatriated hundreds of victims, providing them with psychological and financial support. To further the Prevention agenda, the government has increased awareness-raising through various media channels and community engagement. Targeted capacity-building trainings for policymakers, community workers, CSOs, FBOs, and the media are also being undertaken.

Recognising the link between poverty and human trafficking, the government is also focusing on creating sustainable economic opportunities under its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). The “Leaving No-one and No Place Behind” approach aims to improve livelihoods in rural areas through initiatives like the “Pfumvudza” agricultural programme and social protection programmes.

“The government is taking a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking, addressing the issue from multiple fronts. By tackling the root causes and working closely with partners, we are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all Zimbabweans,” said Kazembe.

The 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlights a significant rise in detected trafficking victims globally. According to the report, there has been a 25 percent increase in the number of detected trafficking victims in 2022 compared to 2019. This alarming trend underscores the ongoing challenges in combating human trafficking worldwide.

Women and girls continue to represent the majority of detected trafficking victims, making up 61 percent of the total in 2022. The report also indicates a disturbing rise in the number of child victims, which increased by 31 percent in 2022 compared to 2019. Among these child victims, girls accounted for 60 percent, with many being trafficked for sexual exploitation.

Trafficking for forced labour has surged by 47 percent between 2019 and 2022, highlighting the exploitation of individuals in various industries, including cases where victims are coerced into running online scams and cyber fraud. Additionally, the report notes, a significant increase in trafficking for forced criminality, which has grown from 1 percent of total victims detected in 2016 to 8 percent in 2022.

These statistics reveal the persistent and evolving nature of human trafficking, emphasising the urgent need for concerted efforts and enhanced measures to combat this global crime. The report calls for increased awareness, stronger legislation, and greater international cooperation to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent trafficking.