UN body hails Govt on human trafficking fight The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has commended Government for intensifying the fight against women and children trafficking.

UNODC National Project officer for Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Mr Banele Kunene said victims of human trafficking were being subjected to sexual exploitation and forced labour.

He was speaking during the commemorations of the World Anti Trafficking in Persons Day held at Dulivhadzimo Stadium recently.

“It is apparent that women and children have been on the receiving end of such a crime. Therefore this year’s theme (of the World anti trafficking in persons Day) which calls for responding to trafficking of young people and women particularly resonates with the entire world,” he said.

Mr Kunene said UNODC commends Zimbabwe’s demonstrated commitment to the fight against human trafficking as evidenced by its Trafficking Act No 4 which was enacted in 2014.

“This has enabled the government’s efforts in securing trafficking in persons’ convictions and also in identifying and protecting more trafficking victims in recent years. The government of Zimbabwe’s continued efforts to build the capacity of criminal justice practitioners on victim identification and interviewing techniques are well commended,” said Mr Kunene.

He said UNODC and the Sadc secretariat had a regional data collection system which saw the recent release of the first regional report on related issues covering 2014 and 2016 which was launched in August in Tanzania.

United States of America’s Political Officer (US Embassy) Mr Ben Wiselogle said partnerships between civil society and increased government co-ordination were critical in fighting human trafficking.

“Zimbabwe can go further to reach its potential. Effective role of government approach require stringent legal frame work of anti-trafficking laws that clearly defines the crime and close loopholes that may allow traffickers to escape justice,” he said.

“The government‘s enactment of the Ant-Trafficking law is a positive development that is celebrated by the United States, but it needs to define exploitation and focus on internal trafficking as well in order to meet international standards.

“We are committed to work with the government to help it improve its ant-trafficking response which will require consistent, honest and open dialogue between our two nations.”

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