The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare educated youth in Otjiwarongo on how traffickers lure victims, the risks facing children, and ways to protect themselves.

Human trafficking is a real threat in Namibia, making education and vigilance critical. 

The Police 2025 statistics report 706 cases of human trafficking, with 680 classified as high risk. 

However, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare's Community Liaison Officer, Tobias Nafuka, said many such cases go unreported, particularly when trafficking is carried out by family members.

This makes prevention and awareness efforts even more urgent.

The ministry aims to equip young people with the knowledge they need to recognise this crime and avoid becoming victims. Child trafficking is another area of concern.

Participants learned that traffickers often use promises of jobs, education, travel, or relationships to lure young people but only exploit them through forced labour, sexual abuse, or other forms of coercion. 

The Ministry of Gender and Child Welfare urged the youth to speak up, report suspicious activities, and educate friends and family.