CenHTRO joins UNODC, Zambian govt to commemorate world day against trafficking in persons

The Center on Human Trafficking Research & Outreach at the University of Georgia has joined the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to commemorate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons alongside the Government of Zambia and all entities working to address and end human trafficking in Zambia and around the globe.

The commemoration held on July 31, 2026 centers on this year’s UNODC theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” which highlights rising rates of exploitation through online scamming.

According to UNODC, the deceptive online scams being spotlighted often result in forced criminality and are closely intertwined with cybercrime, financial fraud, money-laundering and corruption.

Dr. Chishimba Mulambia, Senior Country Coordinator at CenHTRO said the occurrence of forced online scamming has grown at massive, exponential rates in recent years and is recognized as a form of labor trafficking.

“Traffickers increasingly use fake job advertisements, deceptive recruitment agencies, social media, and false promises of better opportunities,” Mulambia stated.

Labor trafficking, as defined by the U.S. Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, encompasses a range of activities where a person uses force, fraud, or coercion to exploit the labour or services of another person.

She said CenHTRO’s work in Zambia was funded by the U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons and the project targets youth and young adults aged 18 to 37 who are at risk of labor exploitation.

Mulambia said the Center has set three specific objectives: reducing the prevalence of cross-border labor trafficking of at-risk 18–37-year-olds by 15 percent, increasing the number of at-risk YYAs and survivors who demonstrate financial capability by 50 percent, and increasing equitable financial programs, services, or policies adopted by 30 percent.

“The FCAB intervention is Phase 2 of CenHTRO’s work in Zambia. Phase 1 consisted of a mixed-methods research study which culminated in the most comprehensive baseline assessment report on labor trafficking in Zambia,” she said.

Mulambia said the Financial Capability and Asset Building intervention is being implemented across four study districts: Lusaka, Livingstone, Chipata, and Sesheke and uses a 3-pronged approach of digital savings groups, working capital management, and in-kind livelihood support.

Baseline findings show labor trafficking is prevalent in all four districts, but patterns vary.

Chipata recorded the highest prevalence of cross-border labour trafficking victims at 48 percent, followed by Sesheke at 47% and Livingstone at 45 percent. Lusaka recorded the lowest at 23 percent.

Sesheke had the highest proportion of individuals at risk of cross-border labour trafficking at 30 percent, followed by Chipata at 23 percent, Lusaka at 19 percent, and Livingstone at 18 percent.

Domestic labour trafficking was most prevalent in Livingstone at 30 percent, then Lusaka at 26 percent.

“Labor trafficking remains a significant risk for vulnerable youth and young adults in Zambia, especially across national borders,” Mulambia reported in the Qualitative Intermediate Intervention Impacts.

The baseline also identified key vulnerabilities increasing risk among YYAs, including lack of basic resources, unstable employment, financial hardship, limited awareness of employment rights, and lack of a financial safety net in emergencies.

Early indicators from the FCAB intervention signal significant improvements in financial literacy, trafficking awareness, social support networks, and access to safer livelihood opportunities.

She said the program is promoting safe migration and creating economic opportunities to help young people recognize exploitation, reject unsafe jobs, and build resilient futures.

“Equipping youth and young adults with financial capability and entrepreneurial skills prevents labor trafficking by reducing vulnerability and creating safer livelihood opportunities,” Mulambia stated.

This World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Mulambia reminded young people that the safest job is an informed choice, and urged vigilance against offers promising quick money, secrecy, or unverified travel.

She listed practical steps such as verify employers, request a written contract, inform family of travel plans, confirm accommodation, keep copies of identity documents, and never surrender a passport or NRC. It also advised saving emergency contact numbers.

Mulambia emphasized that continued investment in survivor-centered justice and cross-sector coordination is essential to effectively reducing and preventing labor trafficking and exploitation.

“CenHTRO believes informed communities are the first and strongest line of defense against trafficking in persons,” she said.

Mulambia called on families, communities, employers, civil society organizations, and government to stay informed, report suspicious activities, and support survivors to prevent exploitation.