Unite Against Exploitation: HAART Kenya's Human Trafficking Awareness March

On the International Day of the Girl Child, HAART Kenya hosted a Human Trafficking Awareness March dedicated to shedding light on the critical issue of human trafficking in Kenya and worldwide.

The theme of the march was held on October 11, 2023, was "Time for Action."

In a display of unity and determination, individuals from diverse backgrounds joined forces to march against human trafficking.

The event commenced at 12:00 noon, weaving its way through Nairobi's Central Business District, starting at Archives and proceeding along Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway, Kenyatta Avenue, Nyerere Road/Statehouse Road, concluding at Arboretum Drive.

The closing event at the Arboretum featured key messages from various stakeholders with George Mutiso, the Chief Officer of Social Services at the Nairobi City County Government, serving as the keynote speaker at the closing event.

"Today, as we walk together, we send a powerful message to our communities and the world: we refuse to let this darkness persist. We choose to shine a light on the plight of those ensnared by traffickers, to amplify their voices, and to be the champions of their freedom," stated Mutiso.

Human trafficking is a crisis that knows no boundaries, affecting the lives of men, women, and children. It extends its dark reach across the globe.

Globally, a staggering 50 million people, including 12 million children, are trafficked, and these numbers are increasing.

Kenya is not exempt from this grave violation of human rights. It serves as a hub for human trafficking, as a source, transit point, and destination. Recent trends indicate a deeply concerning shift in the landscape of human trafficking.

Perpetrators are now targeting more educated individuals, coercing them into criminal activities like cybercrime. Exploiting online platforms, these traffickers have turned the very technology meant to connect us into a weapon of exploitation.

Winnie Mutevu, Advocacy, Partnerships and Development Manager at HAART Kenya, highlighted the importance of collective action, saying, "It is essential that everyone joins in the fight against human trafficking. By uniting, we become a powerful force for change, capable of making a significant impact.”

She added: The March is not solely for raising awareness; it is a collective stride toward justice, freedom, and a brighter future for those trapped in the web of this vicious cycle. Together, we can build a society free from the shackles of human trafficking." “

In commemorating the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30th, 2023, HAART Kenya actively participated in a national event that brought together government officials and civil society organizations. This multi-sectoral approach aimed to address the complex social issue of human trafficking.