Namibia has investigated and prosecuted trafficking cases involving 28 children in three years.
This involves minors in the country and from neighbouring countries.
Deputy Omusati regional police commander deputy commissioner Moses Simao says these statistics cover January 2021 to December 2023.
He says trafficking of persons remains a heinous crime involving the grave violation of human rights, not only in Namibia, but worldwide.
Simao said this during an event observing World Day against Trafficking in Persons in the Tsandi constituency last Friday.
“Victims, including children, are usually deceived or forced into exploitative situations, which in some situations are life threatening.
What sometimes makes it difficult to investigate this crime is its cross-border nature,” he said.
Simao urged communities to ensure the safety of children and women at all times.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed on 30 July each year after a resolution passed by the United Nations in 2013 to raise awareness of trafficking in persons and protection victims’ rights.
Tsandi constituency councillor Junias Amunkete at the event said the affected children are being deprived of the good education and bright future they deserve.
He said trafficked children face numerous challenges such as social exploitation and health risks.
In some cases they are trafficked by people they know and trust.
“Children are mostly trafficked for commercial sexual and labour exploitation like domestic servitude in agricultural, factory and mining work. This deprives affected children of a good family, education and a brighter future that every child deserves” Amunkete said.
He urged parents and caregivers to ensure the safety of their children at all times
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