GABORONE, Botswana – 30 July 2025
As countries around the globe mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights – has issued a strong call for coordinated international and domestic action to combat the growing threat of human trafficking, especially its links to organised crime.

This year’s global theme, “Human trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation,” aims to underscore the increasingly sophisticated criminal networks behind trafficking and the urgent need for stronger law enforcement and judicial responses, all while maintaining a victim-centred approach.

The centre warned of the rising use of technology by traffickers to groom and manipulate victims, noting that digital tools such as social media and messaging platforms are frequently exploited to recruit individuals under false pretences. Tactics often include deceptive job offers and fake scholarships that lead to forced labour or sexual exploitation.

According to a recent UN report, 74% of traffickers are linked to organised crime, with African victims comprising 31% of cross-border trafficking flows. DITSHWANELO expressed concern that limited public awareness and poor detection capabilities allow these crimes to flourish, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.

Botswana’s legal efforts include the 2014 Anti-Human Trafficking Act and its 2024 amendment, which further closes loopholes in national legislation. The organisation urged the government to increase support for victims—especially women and children—by providing access to healthcare and rehabilitation services, and to invest in training law enforcement to better identify and pursue trafficking cases.

The statement further stressed the role of civil society, traditional leaders, and educators in raising awareness and called for tighter regulation of the criminal justice system to better deter offenders. International cooperation, transparency, and proactive monitoring of cyberspace were also highlighted as essential tools in the fight.

DITSHWANELO concluded by encouraging African governments to remain vigilant and united in tackling the multi-layered threats of human trafficking across borders and online platforms.