Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with UNICEF and the Government, has convened a one-day sensitisation workshop for cross-border transporters in Beitbridge to strengthen protection of children on the move.
The initiative is part of the project “Strengthening Protection, Safety and Wellbeing of Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children in Zimbabwe.”
It targets cross-border transporters, some commonly known as omalayitsha, as non-traditional actors in child protection.
Acting District Development Coordinator, Mr Gugu Moyo, said Beitbridge is one of the country’s busiest border districts and an important point along the regional migration corridor, where unaccompanied and separated children face risks of exploitation, abuse, trafficking and unsafe migration.
“Protecting these children cannot be the responsibility of one institution alone. It requires coordinated action involving Government departments, law-enforcement agencies, development partners, communities, families and the transport sector. This is why today’s engagement is so important,” he said.
Mr Moyo said cross-border transporters interact with people at different stages of their journeys and often notice first when a child travels without appropriate documentation, is separated from a caregiver, or is under the control of another person.
“Your decisions and actions can make a significant difference in protecting that child,” he said.
Mr Moyo added that the meeting was not intended simply to communicate laws and procedures, but to build practical collaboration between transporters and child protection institutions.
He said the other objective was to help transporters understand the rights and vulnerabilities of children on the move, distinguish trafficking and smuggling from legitimate transport services, recognise warning signs and use appropriate reporting and referral channels.
“I therefore encourage all participants to engage openly with the presenters, ask practical questions and share their experiences from the transport sector,” said Mr Moyo.
“The knowledge held by transporters is important because you understand the routes, operational realities and challenges encountered during cross-border journeys.”
He said DDC’s office remains committed to promoting cooperation among all stakeholders working to safeguard children in Beitbridge District.
Mr Moyo also thanked IOM, UNICEF and Government institutions who are supporting the project and urged transport associations to become child protection champions within their networks.
The engagement drew participation from the Department of Immigration, Department of Social Development, ZRP Victim Friendly Unit and Anti-Trafficking Unit, Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs (Legal Aid), Civil Registry Department and other child protection stakeholders.
According to IOM, children are among the most vulnerable groups of migrant populations and face risks to their survival and health, and are more likely to experience violence, exploitation or abuse.
Cases of child smuggling through the formal border or its flanks are common during major holidays. In most instances, children are sent across with bus crews or omalayitsha, who often dump unaccompanied children in the bush when border security officials intensify checks, exposing them to danger.
According to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants, migrant smuggling is defined as the intentional organisation or facilitation of the irregular movement of persons across state borders for financial or other gain.
