21/07/2026
Visit to the Anti-Human Trafficking Department (AHTD) http://www.ahtd.gov.zm
As part of my learning and stakeholder engagement, I had the opportunity to visit the Anti-Human Trafficking Department (AHTD) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The department, established approximately 2–3 years ago, serves as the national coordinating body for institutions involved in combating human trafficking in Zambia. It works closely with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations, and other partners with a role in addressing human trafficking.
Key Stakeholders
The department collaborates with a wide range of institutions, including:
* Zambia Police Service
* Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC)
* Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
* Department of Immigration
* Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA)
The Four Pillars of Combating Human Trafficking
1. Prevention
Preventing human trafficking through public awareness campaigns and community education using platforms such as radio, Facebook, and other outreach initiatives.
2. Protection
Providing support and care for victims through services such as:
* Safe shelter
* Counselling
* Food
* Clothing
* Reintegration into society
* Repatriation where necessary
3. Prosecution
Supporting investigations and ensuring perpetrators are brought before the courts through dedicated investigation units and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
4. Partnership
Building strong collaborations with government institutions, NGOs, civil society organizations, and individuals committed to the fight against human trafficking.
Understanding Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is considered modern-day slavery and is fundamentally different from the smuggling of migrants.
To establish a case of human trafficking, three key elements must be present:
* Act – What was done.
* Means – How it was done (such as coercion, deception, or abuse of vulnerability).
* Purpose – Exploitation, which is the defining element. Even if exploitation has not yet occurred, there must be evidence that exploitation was the intended purpose.
It was also highlighted that:
* Human trafficking falls under the Anti-Human Trafficking Department (AHTD).
* Smuggling of migrants falls under the Department of Immigration and is a separate offence.
* Zambia is both a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking.
Measuring Success
The department evaluates its impact through indicators such as:
* Increased public awareness and reporting of cases.
* The number of perpetrators successfully prosecuted.
* The number of victims receiving protection, reintegration, and repatriation services.
* The growth of partnerships with organizations and stakeholders committed to combating human trafficking.
The visit also highlighted ongoing challenges, including the need for greater coordination among government institutions and the fact that human trafficking offences are currently bailable.
I appreciate the Anti-Human Trafficking Department, especially Mrs Febby Moono (lady on the left) for taking the time to share its work and deepen my understanding of the collective effort required to combat human trafficking in Zambia. Together, through awareness, collaboration, protection, and justice, we can contribute to ending modern-day slavery.
