ZIMBABWE: Bishops Call for Awareness on Human Trafficking

HARARE, JULY 2, 2019 (CISA) – The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) emphasized the need to create awareness on human trafficking in the country.

Speaking during the ‘National Conference of Human Trafficking 2019’ at Arrupe Jesuit University, in Harare, Sr Theresa Nyadombo, the ZCBC Education Secretary, said that society must break the culture of silence and embrace education to promote peace, love, and accountability.

“Everyone must break the culture of silence. We must have human trafficking awareness, a network of everyone playing their part in ending this and the key weapon is education where we can promote the values of peace, love, and accountability,” said Sr Theresa during a presentation on efforts being made by the ZCBC.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police called on all members of the public and relevant stakeholders to work together with the people to detect and report cases of human trafficking.

“Let us work as a team, let us not point fingers at anyone, we can address human trafficking together,” said Maria Phiri of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The delegates present pledged to do more research and collaboration to fight human trafficking that affects hundreds of desperate and unsuspecting male and female victims.

Survivors of human trafficking also shared their stories and urged members of the public to create greater awareness about human trafficking.

The conference was organized by the university’s department: the Africa Forum for Catholic Social Teaching (AFCAST) in partnership with the Nottingham University of the United Kingdom.

The workshop was attended by various senior government officials, NGOs, church representatives, members of the diplomatic corps and officials of the Nottingham University in the United Kingdom.