Help arrested trafficked humans in Zambia

Over the past months, the Initiative for Multi-Track Diplomacy Zambia (IMTD Zambia) has continued to provide urgent assistance to trafficked persons who were arrested, detained, or abandoned without legal or social support. Through this project, we have collaborated with local police units, social welfare officers, and community leaders to identify and support victims of human trafficking—especially women and children—who often end up in custody due to lack of proper documentation or legal representation.

We have successfully provided emergency relief, including food, temporary shelter, psychosocial counseling, and legal aid to those affected. Our volunteer team has also initiated awareness sessions with law enforcement officers to improve understanding of trafficking-related offenses and promote a more humane, survivor-centered approach.

One of our most impactful stories involves a 19-year-old girl who was trafficked across the border and later arrested for “illegal entry.” Through our legal network, she was released and reunited with her family, now pursuing tailoring training under our rehabilitation program. Her story reflects the broader goal of this project—to restore dignity, rebuild trust, and ensure that survivors are not treated as criminals but as victims deserving justice and care.

Despite limited funding, the dedication of our volunteers and local partners continues to drive this initiative. We are now expanding our outreach to border communities and seeking additional resources to strengthen legal support, rehabilitation shelters, and skills reintegration for survivors.

Reporting Period: January – March 2025

Location: Ndola, Zambia

Human trafficking continues to be a serious issue in Zambia, with many individuals—especially women and children—being arrested or detained after being rescued from traffickers. These survivors are often treated as criminals and left without the support they urgently need.

Thanks to your generous support, this project has made meaningful progress in helping survivors recover and regain their dignity. Between January and March 2025, we have:

• Provided emergency shelter, food, clothing, and protection to 21 rescued trafficking victims.

• Offered trauma-informed counseling to 18 survivors, supporting them emotionally and psychologically.

• Ensured 11 survivors received legal assistance to navigate their cases and access justice.

• Trained 12 police officers and social workers in victim-centered approaches, promoting better care for those rescued.

One of the survivors we helped is Hope (name changed), a 16-year-old girl who was found during a police operation in a suspected trafficking location. When she was first rescued, she was detained with no access to legal support or understanding of her rights. Through our program, Hope was quickly transferred to a safe space, given counseling, and enrolled in tailoring classes. She is now working toward her goal of becoming a fashion designer.

Moving forward, we aim to expand this work by launching a 24-hour rescue hotline, offering safe transport for survivors, and increasing the number of trained first responders in border towns.

Your continued support is vital in helping us protect vulnerable individuals, ensure their safety, and empower them for a brighter future. Thank you for being part of this life-changing mission.

Warm regards,
Geoffrey Mulenga
Executive Director
Lotus Flower Community School