Botswana has recorded cases of children who were trafficked and forced into labour in households as domestic workers while others were coerced into the commercial sex industry. These children have individual stories of fear, pain, and lost innocence, and therefore these stories demand attention and action.
This was said by the minister of Justice Machana Shamukuni during the 2024 World Day against Trafficking in Persons Commemoration that was held in Charleshill this week. Shamukuni noted that Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights and a pervasive crime that exploits the most vulnerable and it is an issue that transcends borders, affecting millions of people worldwide, including right here in our own communities.
According to Shamukuni, the theme of the commemoration, “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” is a poignant reminder of collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable/ children.
He noted as a result of human-trafficking the young lives, brimming with potential and promise, are too often subjected to unimaginable suffering and exploitation and it is the duty of society, to ensure that no child is left behind in our fight against this atrocity.
“According to the United Nations, nearly one-third of human trafficking victims globally are children. These children are exploited for various purposes, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, and even organ trafficking. They are robbed of their childhood, their education, their health, and in many cases, their lives,” he said.
Shamukuni has further stated that in the digital age, technology can be both a tool for traffickers and a weapon against them as traffickers use the internet and social media to recruit and exploit victims. He noted that through leveraging on technology to combat human trafficking, they can develop sophisticated monitoring and reporting systems, create public awareness campaigns, and provide online resources to combat and address human trafficking.
According to Shamukuni, innovative solutions such as data analytics and artificial intelligence can help identify trafficking patterns and predict high-risk areas. Shamukuni is of the view that partnerships with technology companies can enhance the ability to detect and disrupt online trafficking networks. He indicated that by staying ahead of the technological curve, they can turn the tables on traffickers and protect children.
‘‘In Botswana, we have recognised the pressing need to address this scourge with renewed vigour and determination. Our efforts are guided by the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which underscores the right of every child to be protected from exploitation and abuse. We are working to strengthen our child protection systems, enhance coordination among relevant stakeholders, and improve the provision of services for child victims,” he said.
He noted that one of the most significant advancements in the fight against human trafficking has been the amendment of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act in 2023 that was designed to address the evolving tactics of traffickers and provide greater protection for victims. I
n addition to strengthening the legal framework, Shamukuni has revealed that the government of Botswana is also implementing the Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan (2023-2028).
