SADC in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF) convened a meeting for focal persons working to combat Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa, from 4 to 7 December 2023.
The objectives of the meeting were;
• To re-identify and bring together focal persons addressing Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrant issues across different countries in the region, fostering cooperation and professional relationships;
• To review the Trafficking in Persons data collection form and identify ways of jointly enhancing data collection in the region;
• To provide a platform for mutual sharing of experiences in prosecuting Trafficking in Persons cases; and
• To provide a platform of sharing experiences for enhanced appreciation of contemporary trends and impact of trafficking and smuggling of migrants.
The workshop was officially opened by the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, from the Republic of South Africa, H.E Mr John Jeffery who underscored the importance of data collection and shared experiences in the implementation of South Africa’s Trafficking in Persons Act, particularly as it relates to data collection and data management.
The Honourable Deputy Minister highlighted the ongoing 16-days of activism against violence towards women and children and stressed the severe impact of human trafficking on these vulnerable groups. He further emphasised the importance of data collection, prosecution experiences, and the impact of trafficking, particularly highlighting South Africa's legislative efforts in prosecuting traffickers and supporting victims.
The Ambassador of the European Union in the Republic of South Africa, H.E Sandra Kramer in her remarks reminded delegates about the EU's Program, aimed at addressing irregular migration, promoting labour mobility, and enhancing regional trade and investment. Ambassador Kramer stressed the importance of safe and orderly migration for the economic development of the region and highlighted the need for a coordinated response to migration-related challenges.
During the opening session, Dr Jane Marie Ong’olo, UNO DC Regional Representative for Southern Africa and Ms. Thanyani Gumede, Senior Officer Police/SARPCCO, from the SADC Secretariat, buttressed the need to strengthen cooperation, information sharing and data collection concerning ongoing trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants cases. These efforts aim to address the challenges of limited prosecutions and inadequate national and regional coordination.
The meeting was attended by Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants focal persons from Police, Immigration, Prosecution Authorities, Statistical Agencies and Gender Ministries within SADC Member States.
