Undikumbukire Project Zambia (UP Zambia) participated in a march past and the official launch of Zambia’s National Action Plan on Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants (2025–2027), a significant moment marking the World Day Against Human Trafficking. The event, convened by the Anti-Human Trafficking Department, a department under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Intern Security which coordinates all human trafficking activities in Zambia.
The event was commemorated under the theme “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation”, brought together key law enforcement and justice stakeholders, civil society organizations, and government departments.
At the launch of the National Action Plan, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, was represented by Mr. Boris Mulengu who reaffirmed government’s commitment to fighting human trafficking through a strengthened criminal justice system and law enforcement that is capable of arresting, prosecuting perpetrators while protecting the lives and dignity of victims. Emphasizing the importance of this year’s theme, the ministry acknowledged the crucial role of law enforcement and civil society in disrupting trafficking networks while protecting survivors.
The Director of the Joint in Trafficking in Persons (JTIP) project at Save the Children expressed pride in the official launch of the National Action Plan, which they highlighted is Zambia’s blueprint to combat trafficking through prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships. She encouraged all stakeholders to align their interventions with this strategy for a unified national response.
At UP Zambia, we used this moment to reflect on our ongoing role in the anti-trafficking movement. As an organization deeply committed to children and young people in conflict with the law, we remain focused on:
- Identifying victims of trafficking; especially those who find themselves in the criminal justice system, having committed offences due to their trafficking situations.
- Ensuring access to protection services for victims such as legal and social services.
- Raising awareness in communities, among traditional leaders, and schools through targeted outreach activities.
- Advocating for a justice system that protects not punishes survivors.
UP Zambia believes that effective collaboration among government, civil society, and law enforcement is key to dismantling trafficking networks and ensuring no victim is left behind.
The event was graced by key partners including the various law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, other key government stakeholders and non-government partners as well as representatives from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office.
