Homeland Minister launches 90 days of fighting human trafficking

Minster of Homeland Security, Hon. Jean Sendeza has officially declared the 90 days campaign against human trafficking in Malawi.

The official launch happened at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe with the theme “Time to Act to Ending Human Trafficking in Malawi through the Tigwirane Manja Project in Partnership with USAID, and GLOHOMO.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Sendeza said Malawi is committed to ending the acts of Human Trafficking that’s why they enacted human trafficking act in 2015 inorder to fight the syndicate.

“Human trafficking is often referred to modern day slavery and Malawi remains the leading country in terms of human trafficking, for forced labour, being agriculture among others with girls and young women being trafficked locally for prostitution and other forced labour,” Sendeza said.

She then described the day as the most great day as she urged different organisations to join hands to end this illegal business.

“Malawians must be taught about what human trafficking is as it is not only an issue that involves young girls, but involves everyone who is forced to do some works away from their places,” She said.

She noted with concern that perpetrators are aided by people who are supposed to protect them and called upon all stakeholders, including the three arms of government as well as the judiciary to join hands and deal with the acts of human trafficking in the country.

She then thanked USAID for the funds provided to be used during the 90 days campaign.

In his remarks, Acting USAID Deputy Mission Director Mr Jeffrey Skarin, said the US government is committed to support the fight against Human Trafficking in person in Malawi and he was glad to be part of the 90 days campaign in the fight against human trafficking.

“National action against human trafficking is an opportunity to protect human beings from further exploitation as there are so many gaps that need to be bridged by making sure that there is enough sensitisation across the country,” Skarin said.

He finally urged survivors of human trafficking to take the role of sharing their experiences with others so that they can understand better the evils of human trafficking.

In his opening remarks during the launch, Executive Director of Global Hope Mobilization ( GLOHOMO) Mr.Caleb Thole, also expressed concern that despite numerous efforts in fighting against human trafficking, the country is still behind in curbing Human trafficking and said its time to act if the country is to end human trafficking.