Mathatisi Sebusi
IN collaboration with the government, Beautiful Dreams and the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations for the Disabled, World Vision Lesotho has actively worked to empower civil society organisations and law enforcement agencies to the promote and protect human rights’
With a particular focus on human trafficking response mechanisms, this effort was carried out through the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (PPHR) project.
The project targeted and empowered various groups, including law enforcement officers, children’s clubs, faith-based groups, media professionals, children’s clubs, auxiliary social workers and child protection teams.
It has recorded several successes, including having 525 police officers trained on enhancing their response to human trafficking, improving identification and referral of cases, strengthening case management, and improving support services for victims.
Up to 576 members of Community Council Child Protection Teams (CCPTs) were trained to raise awareness about trafficking in persons, safeguarding children and community members, and promoting and supporting services for victims and survivors.
Also, 79,645 individuals were reached with information on identifying red flags and indicators of human trafficking. They were also educated on procedures and channels for reporting suspected cases.
Moreover, 14,912 community members were engaged through community dialogues aimed at raising awareness and strengthening local protection systems, with 38 Auxiliary Social Workers trained to provide social support to people at risk, manage trafficking cases, and coordinate referrals to appropriate services.
World Vision also identified 57 victims of human trafficking and supported them through business skills training and the provision of start-up materials to enable them to launch income-generating activities and become self-sufficient.
To ensure media engagement in the fight against human trafficking, World Vision trained 71 journalists and editors on the role of the media in human rights protection, ethical reporting on trafficking cases, and raising public awareness.
In addition, 143 faith leaders were also trained to mobilise their communities in combating human trafficking and to promote values of human dignity and protection.
Children’s clubs have also been empowered through training to understand human rights violations, identify signs of trafficking, and take appropriate action.
Through the PPHR project, World Vision and its partners have contributed significantly to building community resilience and strengthening national efforts to prevent and respond to human trafficking in Lesotho.
