Celebrating Anti-Human Trafficking gains announced by the Government
The CHTEA Tanzania Chapter, otherwise known as “Jukwaa la Kupambana na Ulanguzi wa Binadamu” (a platform for counter human trafficking) consists of a multi-stakeholder membership. The platform, otherwise popularly referred to as the “Jukwaa” played an active role during the commemoration of the 2020 national event. Jukwaa was established in 2018 following two highly successful trainings at Singida. The Jukwaa’s secretariat is hosted by Faraja Centre, a lead agency in matters HIV/AIDS and Public Health.
Jukwaa is a platform which brings together stakeholders from both Government (police, prosecutors, health institutions, the municipal leadership) and non-State actors (the Faith Based Organizations, lawyers, community leaders, politicians, CBO’s and other NGO’s)
Unlike other countries, Tanzania was not able to carry out the national anti-human trafficking event on the 30th July 2020 due to the death of Mr Benjamin Mkapa, a former president and a peace icon in Africa. The Tanzanian Government had declared a national mourning period which included 30th July.
It was not until 11th August 2020, that the national anti-human trafficking commemoration event took place at Nashera Hotel, Dodoma City. Faraja was welcomed to attend the meeting and showcase the products created by the Singida community in their income generating activities project.
The chief guest at the event was the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr George Simbachawene who made an unprecedented pronouncement that henceforth, all children under the age of 18 years would not be allowed to travel unaccompanied unless they have a letter from parents and their local administrator. This in effect would check on the excesses witnessed in the abuse of children in and outside of Tanzania.
While commenting on this declaration, the head of Faraja Center, Sr Catherine O’Grady, MMM said, “every small step counts in counter human trafficking. Who would have thought that the Government would make such a major step in protecting the rights of children against human trafficking?”
