Stakeholders meet to empower human trafficking victims

Human trafficking victims during interview at Butere Sub- county offices on July 30, 2022. [Benjamin Sakwa/ Standard]

A number Civil Society Organisations and human rights groups have held talks aimed at addressing the growing concern of human trafficking.

The event, organised and hosted by HAART Kenya Foundation brought together human trafficking survivors, government officials, and other key stakeholders tocelebrate the resilience of those who have escaped its grip.

Dr. Radoslaw Malinowski, the CEO of HAART Kenya, shared his organization’s steadfast commitment to ending human trafficking in the country.

"We are dedicated to ensuring that this crime is eradicated," Dr. Malinowski stated. "Our strategic approach aims to meet this goal by supporting survivors and collaborating with stakeholders to create sustainable, long-term solutions."

The event also focused on empowering survivors by offering them resources and opportunities for rebuilding their lives, with a particular emphasis on entrepreneurship as a pathway to independence.

Deputy Director at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Counter-Trafficking in Persons (CTIP), Veronica Mwangi, underscored the severity and persistence of human trafficking in Kenya. She stressed that combating trafficking requires a comprehensive approach that involves not just law enforcement but also the protection and rehabilitation of victims.

"These cases are prevalent in our society, and we must ensure the safety and security of victims as they go through their recovery journey," Mwangi emphasized.

In her address, Mwangi also highlighted the importance of offering counseling and mental health support to trafficking survivors.

"We must offer survivors the tools they need to rebuild their lives, starting with counseling to help them regain their confidence," she explained.

She also noted the significance of providing financial independence to survivors, often through entrepreneurship programs that can help them develop sustainable livelihoods.

"By empowering them to start businesses, we help them achieve long-term independence, which is key to their recovery," she added.

One of the survivors who benefited from HAART Kenya’s programs, Peter Chege, shared his inspiring story with the attendees.

Chege, who received a grant from HAART Kenya to start his own business, expressed deep gratitude for the foundation's support and how it had transformed his life.

"I am now able to thrive in business and become a proud version of myself," Chege shared with emotion.

"HAART Kenya has not only helped me regain my independence but has also given me the chance to live a life I never thought possible."

The event also served as a platform for raising awareness about the broader issue of human trafficking, with key discussions on the need for improved coordination between government agencies, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.

The ongoing fight against human trafficking requires collective effort, and stakeholders emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to tackle the root causes of the crime and ensure that survivors receive the necessary support to heal and rebuild their lives.