Niël Terblanché
The country is grappling with a significant challenge where young people face increasing vulnerability to human trafficking.
Desperation for employment opportunities, domestically and abroad, often leads individuals into precarious situations.
Traffickers exploit this desperation, luring victims with promises of legitimate work, only to subject them to forced labour, sexual exploitation, or other forms of abuse.
The recently released 2023 Labour Force Survey compiled by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) revealed an unemployment rate of 36.9%, the highest within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
This statistic translates to approximately 320 450 people without employment, with young people disproportionately affected.
The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service in a recent social media post warned young people against labour trafficking where an increasing number of men are being coerced into hazardous labour conditions.
The ministry also warned against sexual exploitation where women and girls are increasingly trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation and as drug mules.
The ministry even warned athletes that they could become victims of human traffickers when travelling for training or competitions abroad.
Traffickers frequently utilise social media platforms to advertise fraudulent job offers, making it imperative for individuals to remain vigilant and informed about such deceptive practices.
According to the youth ministry, recognising the signs of trafficking is crucial in preventing and reporting these crimes.
In response to this pressing issue, the government has initiated several measures to combat human trafficking.
Notably, the government launched a 2023-2027 anti-trafficking National Action Plan (NAP) and conducted training sessions on the NAP for government and community stakeholders.
The government is also collaborating with international bodies to strengthen its anti-trafficking efforts.
In partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the government launched a three-year initiative aimed at combating trafficking in persons.
This project seeks to enhance coordination between government entities and civil society, protect victims, and prosecute traffickers.
In the same vein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has also emphasised the need for increased funding to implement better services for preventing human trafficking, identifying and supporting survivors, and ensuring access to asylum for victims and those at risk.
According to the UN, the clandestine nature of human trafficking makes it difficult to detect and combat.
Continuous public education and awareness campaigns are essential to inform citizens about the dangers of trafficking and the tactics employed by traffickers.
The youth ministry urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to human trafficking.
“By fostering a culture of vigilance and community involvement, Namibia aims to protect its most vulnerable populations from exploitation,” the ministry said in its post.
Combined efforts of the government, international organisations, and civil society offer a pathway towards safeguarding the nation’s people, especially the youth against human trafficking.
