Empowering Journalists to Expose Human Trafficking
Journalists Urged to Spotlight Human Trafficking in Tanzania
Mr. Frank Gollwitzer, Hanns Seidel Foundation Resident Representative for Tanzania and Uganda, addressing journalists during a training session on human trafficking in Dar es Salaam.
In his opening remarks, Hanns Seidel Foundation's Resident Representative for Tanzania and Uganda Mr. Frank Gollwitzer, praised Tanzania Relief Initiative (TRI) for its efforts to empower journalists in the fight against human trafficking, emphasizing the vital role media can play in identifying and reporting human trafficking cases. Speaking at a one-day seminar in Dar es Salaam, Mr. Gollwitzer highlighted the importance of educating journalists on recognizing human trafficking indicators and understanding the legal and ethical considerations of reporting such cases, especially those involving minors.
TRI’s CEO, Advocate Edwin Mugambila, noted that many human trafficking cases in Tanzania go underreported, urging journalists to raise awareness within vulnerable communities. Tanzania faces a significant human trafficking crisis, functioning as a source, transit, and destination for victims, with over 90% of Tanzanian victims being women and children from poor rural areas. Globally, trafficking victims are exploited primarily for sexual purposes (50%) and forced labor (30%), while others are forced into criminal activities or marriages.
Mugambila stressed the need for journalists to spotlight these human rights abuses, urging them to report on the often-hidden struggles of victims and the communities affected. He called for stronger law enforcement action, not only to dismantle trafficking networks but also to establish comprehensive support systems that ensure long-term justice and rehabilitation for survivors.
The seminar organized by TRI, with support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation, brought together 30 journalists, including 12 women and 17 men. The training focused on the types of trafficking prevalent in Tanzania, relevant legal frameworks and best practices in reporting, aiming to equip journalists with the skills needed to address this critical issue responsibly and effectively.
