Zimbabwe ramps up anti-trafficking campaign

Ivan Zhakata

Online Correspondent

ZIMBABWE has reiterated its dedication to eliminating human trafficking, with the Government calling for enhanced community awareness and national collaborations.

In a statement on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, chief director in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Jonathan Gandari said the country was stepping up efforts to fight trafficking, which continued to affect Zimbabweans at home and abroad.

“Trafficking in persons is not just a crime, it is a brutal violation of human rights. Zimbabweans must come together to protect each other, particularly the vulnerable in our communities,” Mr Gandari said.

This year’s commemorations are being held under the global theme, “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – Stop the Exploitation.”

Victims are often lured into forced labour or sexual exploitation in sectors such as agriculture, construction, hospitality and domestic work, especially across regional borders.

Women and children remain the most affected.

“Zimbabwe is not immune,” Mr Gandari said.

“Our citizens have suffered abroad and even within our borders. Today, we are raising the alarm—and our people must listen.”

He said modern technology was now driving trafficking operations with traffickers increasingly using online platforms such as dating apps, social media and encrypted messaging to recruit and exploit victims.

“Technology is being used by traffickers to operate undetected. This has made their networks more complex and more difficult to dismantle,” said Mr Gandari.

According to United Nations estimates, at least 27 million people worldwide are currently victims of human trafficking.

In response, Zimbabwe has put in place legal and policy measures, including the Trafficking in Persons Act [Chapter 9:25] enacted in 2014, and the implementation of the National Plan of Action Against Trafficking in Persons (NAPLAC) 2023–2028.

The plan is built on the four pillars of Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnerships.

Government has also prioritised awareness campaigns and decentralisation of commemorative events.

This year’s event will be commemorated in Bindura as part of the broader strategy to take the anti-trafficking message to provinces and districts across the country.

“There is no place for trafficking in Zimbabwe.

“Communities must be vigilant. Traditional leaders, civil society and law enforcement must work together to stop this crime,” Mr Gandari said.

He said efforts were also being made to support victims and reintegrate survivors back into society, while tackling the root causes of trafficking such as poverty and lack of opportunities.

As Zimbabwe joins the global community in marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the message from the Government is clear: human trafficking is a serious organised crime that requires a unified national response.