Human TraffickingMigration

Malawi to launch its Communication Strategy and 24-month national campaign against Trafficking in Persons on 30th July 2020

The Ministry of Homeland Security will launch the Communication Strategy on anti- Trafficking in persons on 30th of July 2020 on the occasion of the World Day against trafficking in Persons.

This was communicated by Mr. Henry Kanjewe, the Principal Secretary for Homeland Security in the Ministry of Homeland Security and Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee against trafficking in persons, during a stakeholder meeting held on 24 March 2020 to review Malawi’s progress in implementing the 2017 – 2020 National Plan of Action against trafficking in persons.

The launch of the Communication Strategy, which was developed with the support of UNODC, will be followed by a 24 months national awareness campaign aimed at increasing attention to the issue of trafficking in persons in Malawi and creating a sense of protection in the communities.

“This shall be done through sensitizing of the general public on human trafficking and the Trafficking in Persons Act (2015), enhance collaboration among stakeholders in the campaign against human trafficking; and sensitize the public on the need to report cases and where to report, linking with the work being done by the Malawi police service, Victim Support Unit” said Mr. Kanjewe.

The campaign will support the creation of a protective environment by strengthening the government’s commitment and human and institutional capacity to implement the Trafficking in Persons Act. It will also mainstream anti-trafficking in person measures in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy, Vision 2063 and other national programmes, and advocate for the allocation of adequate resources in the national budget.

Maxwell Matewere, UNODC National Project Officer, recommended to improve access to and quality of essential services for the prevention of human trafficking and recovery and reintegration of victims, including counseling, safe homes, shelters, health care, schooling, social welfare and specialized support by human rights organizations.

He highlighted the importance of increasing family and community awareness on human trafficking, improving monitoring and reporting of cases and strengthening referral to services.

This work is part of a joint project of UNODC with the Government of Malawi funded by the United Kingdom contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and in particular, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on the strengthening of peace, justice and strong institutions.