By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU- Majority of Basotho are aware of the issue of human trafficking, this is according to a recent Afrobarometer report. The survey reveals that six in ten Basotho say they are aware of the trafficking of persons, highlighting a significant level of public consciousness on this matter.
This awareness is critical in combating human trafficking, as it enables communities to identify, report, and fight against exploitative practices.
Sometimes trafficking in persons (TIP), human trafficking is recognized as a grave violation of human rights. The United Nations Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish TIP, known as the Palermo Protocol, charges the Member States to criminalize human trafficking and adopt measures for victim protection and support.
The Member States are mandated to implement “effective action to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children”.
In Lesotho, human trafficking is said to affect women and girls more than their male counterparts.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 28 million people are subjected to forced labour, which is categorised as a form of human trafficking. According to ILO, “forced labour is a severe violation of human rights”.
According to the survey, majority of Basotho are aware of human trafficking, says Afrobarometer. Released ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July), the findings show awareness is highest among frequent news consumers, urban residents, and the educated.
It says in urban areas, 73% of Basotho know about human trafficking, compared to 49% in rural areas. Education is attributed to this as there is 23% awareness among those with no schooling, while those with post-secondary education account at least 89%.
The Afrobarometer further showed that Basotho who consume news daily or a few times a week are 10-22% more likely to be aware of human trafficking than those who don’t follow the news as often.
The findings also reveal that 65% of Basotho believe that security agencies have the primary responsibility to fight human trafficking.
Nearly 30% of Basotho reportedly think that ordinary citizens also have a role in fighting human trafficking.
During last year’s World Day against Trafficking in Persons commemoration in Maputsoe, Leribe, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs, and Police, Hon. Lebona Lephema, announced that the Ministry has increased support for trafficking victims. He also mentioned that they are developing a curriculum for the security sector to enhance crime prevention strategies, particularly at border control points, and to raise citizen awareness, aiming to reach every victim and ensure no one is left behind.
To tighten measures and deter future incidents of human trafficking, the government has amended the 2011 Anti-Trafficking in Person Act. This legislation criminalizes both labour and sex trafficking.
Those who contravene these laws upon conviction face penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment for trafficking adults and life imprisonment for trafficking minors.
Lesotho has been grappling with human trafficking challenges and was at one point on the brink of losing associated opportunities and benefits from the United States, which has placed Lesotho in Tier 2. However, there has been progress in improving the situation and upgrading the country’s status.
“The government did not report any prosecutions or convictions of government employees complicit in human trafficking crimes, however, corruption and official complicity in trafficking crimes remained significant concerns. Government officials were allegedly complicit in the illegal entry, transportation, and harboring of foreign nationals, which the government investigated in two cases during the reporting period.
“The government continued implementing a rotational system for immigration officials to deter participation in illicit activities, including human trafficking. In an effort to ensure accountability, observers reported law enforcement required training on appropriate conduct and mechanisms to ensure victims are treated respectfully during investigations,” reads the 2023 TIP report produced by the United States Department of State.