Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The Tanzania Anti-Human Trafficking and Legal Initiatives (TATLI) is calling for a comprehensive review of the National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Plan of Action, which is set to expire in 2024. As a key player in the fight against human trafficking, TATLI has outlined several recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the next National Plan of Action (NPA).
TATLI has been at the forefront of combating human trafficking in Tanzania, providing critical services such as legal aid, victim protection, and advocacy. The organization supports survivors of various forms of trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking, both domestically and internationally.
One of the primary reasons for revising the NPA is the recognition that many objectives in the current plan have not been fully achieved. TATLI suggests that future strategies should be realistic and aligned with the government’s capabilities. Additionally, the organization emphasizes the need for ongoing consultations with various stakeholders, including grassroots organizations, survivors, and indigenous groups, to ensure that future policies address the evolving challenges of human trafficking.
Key recommendations include:
1. Holistic and Inclusive Approach: TATLI stresses the importance of involving diverse stakeholders, including non-funded volunteer organizations, in the development of the new NPA.
2. Review of Specific Objectives: The organization notes that while the current NPA has general objectives, many specific goals have not been met. Future plans should be tailored to fit the government’s resources and capabilities.
3. Reevaluation of Methodologies: TATLI calls for a careful assessment of the five guiding principles of the NPA, noting that only 50% of these have been fully implemented.
4. Strategic Actions Under the Four Ps:The current NPA focuses on Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership, but TATLI suggests reviewing these strategic actions to ensure their feasibility.
5. Addressing Technology in Trafficking: With the rise of technology, traffickers have become more innovative. TATLI recommends modernizing systems to better monitor online activities and prevent exploitation, especially through false job advertisements.
6. Funding and Cooperation: Many planned activities under the current NPA were not implemented due to inadequate funding and insufficient collaboration with stakeholders. The new plan must address these challenges.
7. Survivor Engagement:TATLI advocates for greater involvement of trafficking survivors in the development of anti-trafficking policies, ensuring they are consulted and compensated fairly for their contributions.
8. Learning from Past Reports: TATLI recommends that the new NPA should incorporate lessons from various reports, including those from the UN and U.S. Department of State, to avoid duplication of efforts and improve efficiency.
The organization also emphasizes that a renewed commitment from the Tanzanian government is crucial to combating human trafficking across the country. TATLI believes that, with a collaborative approach, Tanzania can make significant progress in eradicating human trafficking and building a more just and equitable society.
TATLI’s Executive Director, Godfrey Mpandikizi, expressed optimism about working with government officials and other stakeholders to strengthen the country’s fight against trafficking in persons. The review of the NPA is expected to be a vital step toward enhancing Tanzania’s response to human trafficking, ensuring the safety and dignity of all citizens.
Contact:
Godfrey Mpandikizi, Esq
Executive Director, TATLI
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
