United States commits $4 million to fight human trafficking in Zambia

The United States (USA) has committed to provide a US$4 million grant to Zambia to fight human trafficking which is on rampage.

US Embassy Charge d’Affaires, Lunnisa Wahid, noted the initiative was designed to build on the efforts of the Zambian government and civil society organisations.

Wahid said this at a signing ceremony of the partnership between the government of Zambia and that of the United States or America on Saturday.

“Save the Children will serve as the lead implementing partner working with Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security,” Wahid said.

Jack Mwiimbu, the Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister said Zambia had created a department of Anti-Human Trafficking department in a bid to deal with the human trafficking problem.

Mwiimbu noted that Zambia was a source from which victims of human trafficking were recruited and that government had been working to ensure the vice was curtailed.

“Victims are subjected to forced labour in factories, mines, construction sites, fishing boats and private homes. This is often under terrible conditions and for little or no pay at all,” he said.

Additionally, he stated that many victims who included both adults and children were exploited for commercial sex and organ trafficking.

“The country requires a strong voice, concerted efforts and enhanced collaboration in the fight against this transnational crime using the four pillars approach being prevention, protection, partnerships,” he said.

The Minister said sixteen officers from other government departments had been re-aligned to the anti-human trafficking department.

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