Namibia investigates 28 child trafficking cases between 2021 and 2023
Between January 2021 and December 2023, Namibia investigated and prosecuted several cases involving 28 children trafficked within and across borders.
These statistics were shared at a recent commemoration event of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in Swakopmund.
Erongo regional police commander Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona said the trafficked children, often lured by promises of better living conditions, tragically end up exploited for forced labour within Namibia's borders.
He said a "2023 US Department of State report noted that Namibia had not fully met the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking but acknowledged significant efforts."
Consequently, Namibia was downgraded to the Tier 2 Watch List.
“The US report highlights the work we have done but also signals that there is more to be done to meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking," Kupembona said.
Challenges and trends
Kupembona said in Namibia, a "concerning pattern of young boys trafficked from Angola and Zambia for employment in Namibia, primarily as cattle herders or domestic workers" has been observed.
He emphasised the need for continuous vigilance and collaboration with neighbouring countries to effectively combat these trafficking routes.
Gender equality and social welfare minister Doreen Sioka explained that human trafficking does not always involve crossing international borders and can occur within a single country.
Sioka noted the rise in trafficking cases, particularly affecting children. “Children are often trafficked due to their vulnerability, family background, and socio-economic contexts,” she explained.
“This includes cultural practices such as child marriage or the false promises of better living conditions and education.”
As of April 2023, Namibia has reported eight human trafficking cases, with five currently in court and one conviction under the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018, and the Child Care and Protection Act, 2015.
“Since August 2023, the ministry has accommodated a total of 26 trafficking victims, including 12 children, in our shelters," Sioka said.
Support and rehabilitation initiatives
In addition to law enforcement efforts, Namibia has strengthened its support and rehabilitation initiatives for trafficking victims. The gender equality and social welfare ministry has developed comprehensive training manuals for frontline responders and enhanced collaboration with civil society organisations to provide social and psychological support to victims.
Florence Situmbeko, head of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) office, brought an international perspective, stating: "Efforts to prosecute trafficking networks globally face significant challenges."
She stressed the need for increased investment in anti-trafficking interventions and data-driven strategies to effectively combat this complex issue.
“IOM’s database contains over 100 000 trafficking cases, with approximately 5 000 new cases each year,” Situmbeko said.
“We assist 7 000 to 9 000 victims annually.”
Situmbeko also addressed the challenges in prosecuting trafficking networks and called for “new approaches to ensure justice for victims.”
These statistics were shared at a recent commemoration event of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in Swakopmund.
Erongo regional police commander Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona said the trafficked children, often lured by promises of better living conditions, tragically end up exploited for forced labour within Namibia's borders.
He said a "2023 US Department of State report noted that Namibia had not fully met the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking but acknowledged significant efforts."
Consequently, Namibia was downgraded to the Tier 2 Watch List.
“The US report highlights the work we have done but also signals that there is more to be done to meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking," Kupembona said.
Challenges and trends
Kupembona said in Namibia, a "concerning pattern of young boys trafficked from Angola and Zambia for employment in Namibia, primarily as cattle herders or domestic workers" has been observed.
He emphasised the need for continuous vigilance and collaboration with neighbouring countries to effectively combat these trafficking routes.
Gender equality and social welfare minister Doreen Sioka explained that human trafficking does not always involve crossing international borders and can occur within a single country.
Sioka noted the rise in trafficking cases, particularly affecting children. “Children are often trafficked due to their vulnerability, family background, and socio-economic contexts,” she explained.
“This includes cultural practices such as child marriage or the false promises of better living conditions and education.”
As of April 2023, Namibia has reported eight human trafficking cases, with five currently in court and one conviction under the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018, and the Child Care and Protection Act, 2015.
“Since August 2023, the ministry has accommodated a total of 26 trafficking victims, including 12 children, in our shelters," Sioka said.
Support and rehabilitation initiatives
In addition to law enforcement efforts, Namibia has strengthened its support and rehabilitation initiatives for trafficking victims. The gender equality and social welfare ministry has developed comprehensive training manuals for frontline responders and enhanced collaboration with civil society organisations to provide social and psychological support to victims.
Florence Situmbeko, head of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) office, brought an international perspective, stating: "Efforts to prosecute trafficking networks globally face significant challenges."
She stressed the need for increased investment in anti-trafficking interventions and data-driven strategies to effectively combat this complex issue.
“IOM’s database contains over 100 000 trafficking cases, with approximately 5 000 new cases each year,” Situmbeko said.
“We assist 7 000 to 9 000 victims annually.”
Situmbeko also addressed the challenges in prosecuting trafficking networks and called for “new approaches to ensure justice for victims.”
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