By Lylie Happiness
Oshakati, July 28 – Namibia observed World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) on Friday, with a special event held at the Oshikango Border Post in the Ohangwena Region. The occasion marked the launch of the TIP national plan of action under the theme “Reaching Every Trafficking Victim and Ensuring No One is Left Behind.”
The Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare organized this significant event in collaboration with the Namibian Police Force (Nampol), the designated law enforcement agency. The primary objective was to raise awareness about the critical issues surrounding Trafficking in Persons.
According to Nampol, human trafficking remains one of the most lucrative criminal industries, and the number of reported and detected cases is gradually increasing in Namibia. Victims are bought and trafficked to different places and countries, where they face exploitation, posing a grave danger to their lives and safety.
“We need to continue with consistent awareness-raising campaigns in our communities; let us continue to collaborate and work together to combat Trafficking in Persons in Namibia. We salute the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare,” said the police.
Ms. Florence Ntombesibini Situmbeko, Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), emphasized the importance of promoting safe alternatives for migration as part of the awareness efforts. Drawing on more than 30 years of working with victims of trafficking globally, IOM recognizes that many victims need more than basic humanitarian assistance and temporary status regularization. They also seek opportunities to work and earn a fair income to support their families back home, especially during these challenging economic times.
Situmbeko called on all stakeholders and partners to join forces in sensitizing the public about Trafficking in Persons. She stressed the significance of identifying potential victims or reporting suspicions to authorities and avoiding products or services linked to human trafficking.
H.E. Jovelina Imperial E Costa, Ambassador of Angola, also emphasized the importance of raising awareness in society, particularly among vulnerable communities, to fight against this evil. The call was made to increase investments in these communities to improve opportunities for people to enhance themselves, gain access to education and health, and increase employability. At the same time, she emphasized the need to identify and support victims of human trafficking and ensure severe punishment for offenders.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for collective action to combat human trafficking and protect the most vulnerable in society.- Namibia Daily News
