The Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare (MGEPESW) in the Kavango West Region has warned communities against the abusive treatment of children.

These concerns about child abuse were expressed during the commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons at the Hamweyi Village in the Ncuncuni Constituency.

Dominated by schoolchildren, the day began with entertainment before the main event.

The commemoration aimed to raise awareness about the various forms of human trafficking, which can include forced labour, underage recruitment, mistreatment, slavery, rape, and other abusive practices.

In her address, the Councillor of Ncuncuni Constituency, Leopoldine Nseu, noted that, in the past, the issue of human trafficking was primarily understood as sexual abuse against women.

"A decade ago, the understanding and knowledge and defining trafficking in a person was primarily the involvement of women trafficked from a poor country to an affluent country for sexual exploitation. Today there is a greater awareness about the diversity of trafficking that affects women, men, girls, and boys in various ways in which victims can be exploited, like labour, sexual exploitation, forced labour, and organ removal."

The councillor further stated that, in many cases, trafficking is facilitated by the victims' own families and relatives.

She urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and cautious about whom their children are left with, even if it is a family member.

"In some instances, children are being trafficked by people they know. Hence, parents and caregivers are urged to ensure the safety of their children at all times."

Children, being among the most vulnerable victims of trafficking, the Ncuncuni Combined School learners took to the stage to express their dissatisfaction, but in a poetic way.

"Namibian children, with strength yet to be shown, shall break the chain that binds them, reclaim what they are known for in a unity of many, the truth will find its way, and in the dune of justice, the night will turn into a day."