Government has vowed to fight against human trafficking by strengthening border controls and international cooperation to curb the vice in the country.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Cecilia Chazama said this on Tuesday at Nambazo primary school ground in Phalombe when she led the country in commemorating the international Day against Trafficking in Persons.

Chazama told YFM that porous borders, inadequate resources and facilities to detect and prevent trafficking are major factors contributing to high cases of human trafficking.

According to Chazama, government is fully committed to address the vice which has put the lives of children, women and youth at danger as the traffickers earmarked them for exploitation.

“As government we are aware of the increase of cases of trafficking in persons in the country, this is a worrisome situation to our children, women and young people who are the most victims of the human trafficking,” she said.

The minister promised that government through immigration department will construct a border post at Nambazo in the district to curb the vice because the place is used as a transit for the malpractice.

“We are also calling upon well-wishers and Non-Governmental Organizations to support us with resources and technical support as government alone cannot succeed in the fight,” she concluded.

On his remarks, the Chairperson for Malawi Network Against Trafficking in Persons (MNAT) Dr. Rodrick Mlonya said trafficking in persons is the second serious crime worldwide.

Dr. Mlonya said MNAT an umbrella body composed of over 300 Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) is working in collaboration with government by conducting awareness raising activities on the evils of the vice.

“It is important to intensify awareness especially in rural areas where people are not aware of the issue,” said Mlonya.

In 2013, United Nations adopted 30th July as the international day against trafficking in persons but Malawi has been commemorating the day in silence until this year.