Sat, 23 Sep 2017 11:24:42 +0000
By Simon Muntemba
BRITISH Prime Minister Theresa May, has praised President Edgar Lungu for his efforts towards the fight against human trafficking, forced labour and child marriages.
And President Lungu said his government was concerned that Zambia has become a source of transit and destination for men, women and children subjected to force labour and modern slavery.
Ms. May also pledged United Kingdom’s support to Zambia to help Zambia’s efforts in eradicating modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking.
She said this when she co-chaired a high level event with President Lungu on the Eradication of Modern Slavery, Forced Labour and Human Trafficking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday.
This is contained in a statement released to the media by Mr Wallen Simwaka, the First Secretary for Press at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations.
President Lungu said the human trafficking which occurs within the country’s borders involves victims usually being sourced from vulnerable communities especially in rural areas, who are subjected to exploitation in cities through domestic servitude or forced labour in industries.
The Head of state explained that such industries include agriculture, textile, illegal mining, construction, and small businesses such as bakeries.
He however said that Zambia enacted an Anti-Human Trafficking legislation in 2008, whose aim was to eradicate all forms of human trafficking.
“The Government of the republic of Zambia enacted an Anti-Human Trafficking legislation in 2008, whose aim is to eradicate all forms of human trafficking by providing for the prosecution of offenders, rescue and rehabilitation of victims,” President Lungu said.
President Lungu further reiterated that his Government also provides information to potential target groups, particularly in vulnerable communities, and establishment places of safety where victims are kept during investigations.
He said his Government welcomes the UN 2010 global action plan to combat trafficking in persons.
“We look forward to adoption of the outcome document by the General Assembly which emphasised the need to intensify international co-operation, including capacity building and technical assistance for developing countries,” President Lungu said.
