DAR ES SALAAM, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tanzania’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Secretariat (ATS) in the Ministry of Home Affairs is intensifying a crackdown on all forms of exploitation, particularly human trafficking, a top official in the office has said.
The government’s remarks come in reaction to a shocking revelation following The Citizen’s investigation that uncovered alarming levels of human trafficking and exploitation of underage individuals in the resource-rich districts of Kahama and Geita in the Shinyanga Region.
ATS secretary, Seperatus Fella, has attributed the increasing levels of inhuman acts to the lack of education among citizens on the severe consequences of the practice.
He underscored the crucial role of local government authorities in curbing oppressive acts.
“We found out that many people don’t understand, but after educating them about what the law says and punishments, people started to understand a little.”
Fella admitted the existence of local government leaders who were inadvertently facilitating trafficking and stressed the need for a regional education campaign in the remote areas of districts like Geita and Kahama and border regions.
Aware of the exploitation of children on tobacco farms and communities, the secretariat says it is developing a comprehensive plan to provide education, starting at the local government level.
The initiative aims to prevent victims from integrating into communities while still young, thereby safeguarding national security.
Fella highlighted the shift in focus from punitive measures to enhancing understanding within communities, leveraging the unique advantage of local government leaders familiar with their communities to reach every doorstep.
Fella said they were collaborating with the immigration department and anti-trafficking NGOs as part of new efforts to dismantle the syndicate involved in the illegal business.
The efforts include the recent launch of the Tanzania Network Against Human Trafficking (TANAHUT) last year. TANAHUT, a coalition of about 105 organisations, including NGOs, universities, and media organisations, aims to enhance counter-trafficking activities in Tanzania.
TANAHUT’s chairperson, Edwin Mugambila, stressed the need for concerted efforts. “[TANAHUT] allows us to work collectively to end the scourge of trafficking in persons,” he says.
During the launch of the coalition, network members were reported to have applauded the efforts of authorities in combating trafficking, expressing hope that continued commitment would lead to the eradication of the crime.
The efforts include investigating more trafficking cases, convicting more traffickers, identifying more victims, and coordinating with local and international organisations to enhance training for government officials. — NNN-AGENCIES
