Dundo - The representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Angola, Ms Nana Ama, Thursday in Luanda reiterated support to the Angolan government in preventing, protecting, identifying and combating human trafficking in the country.
Speaking at the cross-border forum between Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), she said the United Nations agency would continue to cooperate with the Angolan government on safe accommodation, medical and social and psychological support, training and return of the assisted voluntary and reintegration of trafficking victims.
On the other hand, she said that the forum strengthened the partnership and cooperation between the governments of Angola and DRC, allowing the sharing of technical experiences and information between the commissions in the fight against trafficking in persons at the common borders.
The official called for the reinforcement of integrated border management, strengthening of migration procedures for appropriate screening, assessment and referral, international cooperation and global partnerships for safe, orderly and regular migration.
He stressed that the national strategy, fighting mechanisms and awareness campaigns underway in Angola will ensure that the media, general public, vulnerable groups and stakeholders understand their role in the ongoing fight to end human trafficking.
“Fighting human trafficking is not the responsibility of a single institution, organization or country, it is a collective responsibility, because any one of us can be a victim”, she stressed.
Since 2014, when the Angolan State began working on the issue of human trafficking, 142 cases have been registered, involving victims and perpetrators from Angola and DRC.