📘 Overview
The National Policy on Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants, implemented in July 2022, provides a comprehensive framework to prevent, protect, prosecute, and partner (4Ps) against human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Zambia. It replaces the 2007 policy and addresses new challenges through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach.
🎯 Policy Vision
“A Zambia committed to eradicating all forms of human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.”
💡 Why the Policy Was Developed (Rationale)
- To address rising incidents of trafficking and smuggling within and beyond Zambia’s borders.
- To align with international protocols such as the UN Palermo Protocol.
- To respond to emerging trends, including the use of digital platforms by traffickers.
- To provide greater protection for victims, particularly women, children, and vulnerable populations.
- To create a dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Agency and operationalize the Anti-Human Trafficking Fund.
📌 Core Pillars and Strategic Objectives
1. Prevention
- Goal: Reduce trafficking and smuggling by 2030.
- Key Actions:
- Public education campaigns and community sensitization.
- Development of educational curricula and training materials.
- Capacity building for border and law enforcement officers.
- Strengthening national identity documentation systems.
- Empowering vulnerable populations through skills training and economic support.
2. Prosecution
- Goal: Strengthen legal and justice systems by 2026.
- Key Actions:
- Review and update laws on trafficking and smuggling.
- Train police, prosecutors, and judiciary in handling cases.
- Establish virtual courts and interpreter services.
- Enhance national, regional, and international cooperation in law enforcement.
3. Protection
- Goal: Provide comprehensive care to victims by 2030.
- Key Actions:
- Establish and refurbish victim shelters (places of safety).
- Support repatriation, reintegration, and basic needs of victims.
- Implement national referral mechanisms.
- Train frontline officers and ensure minimum protection standards.
4. Partnerships
- Goal: Strengthen coordination and cooperation by 2025.
- Key Actions:
- Establish a dedicated coordinating department and multi-stakeholder committees.
- Promote information sharing and joint planning.
- Hold annual national symposiums and regional forums.
- Engage civil society, private sector, and international partners.
🔧 Implementation Plan Highlights
- Duration: 5 years (2022–2027).
- Lead Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security (MHAIS).
- Key Partners: Ministry of Community Development, Ministry of Justice, Immigration, Judiciary, CSOs, international bodies (IOM, UNODC).
- Estimated Cost: Over ZMW 50 million allocated to prevention, prosecution, protection, and partnerships.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Regular reviews, reports, and stakeholder consultations to assess progress and ensure accountability.
🌍 Alignment with Global Commitments
The Policy supports:
- SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions),
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality),
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals),
- The Palermo Protocol, and
- The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
✅ Final Note
Zambia’s fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling is rooted in human rights, justice, and national security. Through inclusive implementation, the Policy seeks to protect vulnerable populations, dismantle criminal networks, and uphold Zambia’s international obligations.
