Anglican Church fight human trafficking

GOVERNMENT has applauded the Anglican Church in Zambia for its initiative to partner with stakeholders to combat human trafficking in the country. Kitwe District Commissioner Chileshe Bweupe described human trafficking as a tragedy that has become a global lucrative organised crime that violates various human rights. Speaking when he addressed stakeholders participating in a consultative meeting convened at Anglican multipurpose hall in Kitwe, Mr. Bweupe observed that women and children are primary victims of trafficking. Mr Bweupe said it was imperative that stakeholders bring to the fore the issue of trafficking and allow participation of all sectors if the human trafficking has to be done away with. He pointed out that the church has an important role of working with people on the grass root by giving them the right information which can be shared with the primary affected victims. He also said that secrets on trafficking are a barrier in communities because victims of trafficking are happening within their localities. “I want to acknowledge the investment that Anglican Church has pumped into ending of gender based violence (GBV) at community level country wide. “I want to thank the church for partnering with government departments namely police, immigration, social welfare as well as other stakeholders because the scourge can only be dealt effectively with if everyone is involved,” he said. Mr. Bweupe has since implored other churches in the district to join the fight against human trafficking. And Archbishop of Central Africa and Bishop of Northern Zambia Albert Chama said the church has chosen to supplement governments’ effort in noting that human trafficking is a common concern globally. Bishop Chama said the initiative is being implemented under the Anglican Alliance board based in London which has segmented into provinces. He explained that the alliance deals with issues that are considered dehumanizing including trafficking. “Yes we are a church but we are saying we are a stakeholder in everything that affects our community and trafficking has been identified as one scourge that needs our input. This will help us understand what role we can play in this fight,” he said. – ZANIS The Sun