SWAKOPMUND — On the occasion of the National Commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, alarming statistics were released by the Namibian government. Minister Doreen Sioka of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare reported that eight cases of human trafficking have been recorded in Namibia since April 2023, with ongoing court proceedings for five and one conviction.

According to Namibia Press Agency, domestic trafficking within Namibia is on the rise, underscoring that trafficking is not only a cross-border issue but also a domestic one. She highlighted that both males and females of various age groups are targeted, with children being particularly vulnerable due to their socio-economic backgrounds. The minister stressed the importance of increased vigilance and proactive measures to combat this escalating crime.

Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona, Chief of the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region, emphasized the usefulness of available manuals on Gender-Based Violence, Child Protection, and Trafficking in Persons as crucial tools for law enforcement. He urged agencies to collaborate more effectively to protect victims and combat trafficking.

Florence Situmbeko, from the International Organisation for Migration's office in Namibia, noted that while IOM assists thousands of trafficking victims globally, efforts to prosecute traffickers face significant obstacles. She called for increased funding to evaluate anti-trafficking measures and to conduct research that will inform more effective strategies in the future.