Mzuzu, 7-12 July 2019 - UNODC organized a workshop for a group of more than 50 law enforcement officers, protection officers and other service providers on the application of the "Trafficking in Person Act: Regulations and Standards Operation Procedures and National Referral Mechanism". The result of strengthened capacity of these officers to detect and refer trafficking victims to the correct services.
The event, which was officially opened by Mr. Donnex Kachepa, the Ministry of Homeland Security Representative, aimed to provide participants with background information on the National Legal framework on Trafficking in Persons and to train law enforcement officers on applying the respective regulations. Mr. Kachepa observed that the Ministry of Homeland Security needs to keep addressing issues of trafficking in persons.
Also speaking during the opening session was Mrs. Chifundo Njolomole, member of the Malawi Human Rights Commission, who highlighted the fact that the workshop was designed to help participants find their place in anti-trafficking in persons efforts and that one of the learning objectives was not only to gain a better understanding of trafficking and be better equipped with knowledge and tools, but also to empower participants to play a part in combating trafficking in accordance with her/his role, responsibilities and level of influence.
The workshop started with UNODC conducting an interactive session focussing on the distinction between trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling, followed by a presentation on the global, regional and local situation. During the presentation, Mr. Maxwell Mateware, UNODC officer, guided participants through the legislation and introduced them to the Trafficking in Persons Fund for promoting awareness raising and repatriation of trafficking victims.
Mrs. Chifundo Njolomole held a session on the newly-developed "Trafficking in Persons Act: Regulations and Standard Operating Procedures and National Referral Mechanism", an essential tool that was written under this project.
The highly successful training included both a theory-based approach as well as on-site practical case management training. Discussions centred on the implementation of SOP/NRM and the needs for future action with several follow-up activities being agreed on.
UNODC carries out anti-trafficking work in Malawi under the project Strengthening the implementation of a comprehensive response to trafficking in persons in Malawi, in collaboration with the Government of Malawi and with the financial support of the United Kingdom. Implemented as part of the UNODC Global Programme against Trafficking in Persons, jointly with UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa, this project contributes to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in particular SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.