AU Takes Bold Step with Draft Policy to Combat Trafficking in Persons in Africa
April 22, 2022
| In a landmark move to address the pervasive issue of trafficking in persons (TIP) across the African continent, the African Union (AU) has released a draft policy on the prevention of TIP. This significant development comes as a result of the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Migration, Refugees, and Displaced Persons, held virtually from April 19 to 22, 2022. TIP, often referred to as human trafficking, has long been a transnational crime impacting Africa. Exploiting the vulnerabilities of migrants, transnational criminal networks have taken advantage of conflicts, limited employment opportunities, and other factors prevalent in various parts of the continent. The dire situation of refugees and asylum seekers, coupled with systemic gender discrimination and inequalities in rural African societies, further contribute to the lure of victims into illegal networks. The 2006 Ouagadougou Plan of Action evaluation report, which received validation by AU Member States in Kampala, Uganda, in 2019, emphasized the urgent need for continental policy documents to combat both TIP and the Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) in Africa. The report underscored the necessity for a harmonized approach and policy coherence among Member States to effectively tackle this transnational organized crime. Responding to this call, the African Union Commission has developed a comprehensive draft policy document on the prevention of TIP. This policy aims to provide a harmonized approach and a structural analysis of the TIP situation across the continent. It sheds light on global, continental, and regional trends and developments of TIP while highlighting the root causes of this crime in Africa. The draft policy document outlines twelve strategies with actionable commitments for AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs). These strategies draw on international best practices, incorporating the principles of Policy, Protection, Prevention, Prosecution, and Partnership (the 5Ps). By implementing these strategies, the AU envisions a sustainable and harmonized approach to preventing TIP in Africa. The proposed strategies also emphasize the need for robust Member States institutions, investment in data collection and research, and the utilization of technology and information systems to combat this grave issue effectively. Furthermore, the draft policy document includes a framework for review, follow-up, and reporting mechanisms to ensure the policy’s successful implementation and continuous improvement. The release of this draft policy on the prevention of TIP marks a significant step in the fight against human trafficking in Africa. Once adopted and implemented by AU Member States, this policy is expected to contribute to the protection of human rights, the promotion of justice, and the establishment of robust legal systems throughout the continent. As African nations unite against trafficking in persons, hopes are high that this collective effort will lead to a safer and more prosperous Africa, free from the chains of exploitation and human trafficking. To download this document please click here |
