Zimbabweans fall victim to human trafficking syndicates

Desperate Zimbabweans fleeing the country's worsening economic situation are falling prey to human traffickers, with reports emerging that some locals have been lured to Myanmar, the Centre for Human Trafficking (CHT) has revealed.

While the exact number of victims remains unclear due to the clandestine nature of the crime, the CHT said the problem has become increasingly pronounced in recent months.

Myanmar, a Southeast Asian nation gripped by violent conflict since a 2021 military coup, has seen widespread human rights abuses, with civilians targeted by airstrikes, artillery bombardments, and other acts of violence, according to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The CHT said it had received reports of Zimbabweans being trafficked and exploited in areas controlled by the Kachin Independence Organisation, one of Myanmar's armed groups.

"The centre condemns these human rights abuses by traffickers and urges Zimbabweans to exercise due diligence, especially for work opportunities flighted," the organisation said in a statement.
"We are committed to the empowerment of victims to ensure that no one is re-trafficked and to support reintegration, restoration and the rebuilding of livelihoods through our survivor empowerment model."

The CHT also commended joint efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and other partners for helping repatriate the first group of survivors trafficked to Myanmar.

"We acknowledge the collaborative efforts involving IOM, the Government of Zimbabwe and various regional and local bodies for contributing to the repatriation and reunification of victims," the statement added.

CHT director Chamunogwa Nyoni told NewsDay that traffickers were exploiting Zimbabweans' economic desperation by offering fake job opportunities and promises of better living conditions abroad.

"The numbers and dates on which this practice started are not known because of the illicit nature of the crime, which makes it difficult to ascertain with the authorities," Nyoni said.

He noted that the trafficking networks were not limited to Zimbabweans, as victims from South Africa, Namibia, India, and Nigeria had also been targeted.

"Trafficking is not peculiar to Zimbabweans alone. Information at hand reflects that South Africans, Namibians, Indians and nationals from West African countries are also victims," he said.

Nyoni said CHT continues to partner with government in anti-trafficking initiatives based on the 5Rs approach - rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, raising awareness, and rebuilding livelihoods.

"Human trafficking is real. No one is immune to this scourge, and we need to collectively address it," he emphasised.

Zimbabwe has faced similar crises before. In 2022, the government had to rescue over 107 nationals stranded in Oman, who were enslaved after being deceived with fake job offers and lucrative salary promises.

With the economic situation still dire, human rights groups are urging stronger awareness campaigns and regional cooperation to curb the growing trafficking menace targeting Zimbabweans abroad.