| Cases of human trafficking suspected, but no proof |
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| Written by Staff Reporters | ||||
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The existence of a significant human trafficking problem in Namibia is suspected, but remains unsubstantiated by sufficient reliable reporting, according to the 2008 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) released in Washington D.C, this week. The report said the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare’s commissioning of a study on child labour demonstrates the government’s increasing awareness of and interest in the issue which, until recently, was not believed to be a problem in the country. The report said, to improve the effectiveness of its fight against
human trafficking, the government should consider two initial steps: to
develop a baseline understanding of the problem, which could include
reviewing existing reports and engaging stakeholders; and to designate
a focal point within which to coordinate dialogue and action by
relevant government entities.
As further information is developed,
public awareness raising and training of relevant law enforcement and
social services officials could facilitate the identification and
assistance of victims, and help determine the extent of the problem, it
said. The report said limited reporting suggests that Namibia may be a source and destination for trafficked children; however, the magnitude of this problem is unknown. “It is suspected that the largest percentage of trafficking victims consists of children engaged in prostitution. There is evidence that small numbers of Namibian children are trafficked within the country for domestic servitude, as well as forced agricultural labour, cattle herding, and possibly vending,” the report said. There have been a few reported cases of Zambian and Angolan children trafficked to Namibia for domestic servitude, agricultural labour, and livestock herding. Namibia’s high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate has increased the number of orphans and other vulnerable children at risk of exploitation and trafficking. |
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