Seithati Mot?oeneng
TO address the scourge of human trafficking and raise public awareness about it, the government recently organized a key media training workshop for journalists and media professionals.
Led by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, the program was designed to provide media practitioners with the tools and understanding needed to report accurately on trafficking cases.
This effort is expected to boost public awareness and strengthen support for law enforcement initiatives in the area.
Human trafficking remains a formidable challenge in Lesotho, driven primarily by widespread poverty that leaves many vulnerable to exploitation by cunning perpetrators who often lure victims with false job promises in a country plagued by high unemployment.
According to A U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report: Lesotho, despite government efforts, has yet to fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating this practice.
Nkhotha Machachamise, the Deputy Principal Secretary (DPS) at the ministry, opened the workshop by emphasizing the urgent need to address the pervasive issue, which affects countless individuals both locally and globally.
“Accurate reporting is essential – not just for informing the public, but crucially for preventing the spread of misinformation that could hinder rescue operations or place victims at further risk,” Mr Machachamise said.
The training provided participants with invaluable insights into the complexities of human trafficking, covering various forms such as sex trafficking, forced labour, and child exploitation.
Experts from the ministry and the Migrants Control Unit (MCU) shared essential information regarding the tactics employed by traffickers, including the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through enticing job offers, scholarships, and relationships.
Lerato Nkhet?e, the Executive Director of the Migrant Workers Association (MWA), highlighted the dire economic landscape that contributes to these vulnerabilities.
“With soaring unemployment rates, perpetrators frequently lure their victims with seemingly attractive work opportunities,” Mr Nkhetse said. “Women and children are especially at risk, often becoming victims of sexual exploitation and forced labour.”
Mr Nkhet?e highlighted the dangers and complexities of human trafficking by explaining that many people were deceived by false job offers.
For example, he mentioned a Mosotho man who was recruited through a job agency and trafficked to Dubai. “He was forced into marriage with a woman for citizenship purposes, and then had his identity used to open multiple bank accounts for money laundering objectives,” he said.
He warned trafficking could occur through churches.
“Many Basotho nationals have been trafficked to Nigeria under the pretence of romantic relationships with Nigerian pastors. These individuals leave Lesotho believing they are pursuing genuine relationships, only to discover that the pastors already have families in Nigeria,” he said.
“Once in Nigeria, the victims are often abandoned in churches, becoming trapped and isolated in a foreign country.”
A significant portion of the media training focused on ethical journalism, stressing the importance of safeguarding victims’ identities and dignity.
“Trafficking stories are sensitive, and improper reporting can lead to re-victimization or compromise ongoing investigations,” cautioned workshop facilitator and media ethics specialist, Maria Sefako.
Participants were guided on best practices for interviewing victims, maintaining their privacy, and avoiding sensationalism that could further stigmatize survivors.
The collaborative relationship between media outlets and law enforcement agencies emerged as a critical theme during the workshop.
Peter Buyondo, a specialist in human trafficking, urged journalists to exercise caution in their reporting.
“It’s imperative that media professionals verify information rigorously and collaborate closely with authorities to ensure accuracy,” Mr Buyondo said.
“By doing so, we can elevate public knowledge about human trafficking and create a more informed community.”
The ministry reiterated its commitment to a multi-faceted approach in the fight against human trafficking, which includes capacity building for media personnel.
It emphasized that the training initiative was expected to foster a more knowledgeable media landscape, ultimately contributing to national efforts to eliminate trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.
The initiative underscores the crucial role of media in shaping public perception and supporting law enforcement in this critical battle against a human rights violation that affects millions worldwide.
By partnering with the media, the ministry said, the government aims to amplify awareness, enhance responsible reporting, and, ultimately, safeguard the future of those vulnerable to exploitation.
The US State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report found that while the Lesotho government was making significant efforts to combat human trafficking, it did not yet fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating the practice.
The report noted that the government demonstrated increased efforts compared to the previous year, 2023, including prosecuting more alleged traffickers, boosting funding for anti-trafficking law enforcement, and establishing community-based protection committees to raise awareness and prevent trafficking.
However, the report noted: “The government also identified fewer trafficking victims, did not allocate any funding for victim protection, and continued to rely heavily on a single non-governmental organisation (NGO) to provide services without sufficient government support”. The report did not identify the NGO by name.
It added that gaps in training also meant some frontline officials lacked awareness of victim identification and referral procedures.
Overall, the report showed that while Lesotho is making some progress, the country must address these remaining gaps to fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking.