AACC Marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with National Consultation in Mozambique
To commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) convened a three-day national consultation on "Combating Irregular Migration among Children and Youth to Counter Human Trafficking" in Maputo, Mozambique. The consultation ran from 29th to 31st July 2026. It brought together church leaders, government officials, parliamentarians, child protection practitioners, civil society organizations, youth representatives, survivors, and the media to strengthen collective action against child trafficking.
Opening the consultation, AACC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki emphasized that protecting children from trafficking is not only a legal obligation but also a Christian calling rooted in the God-given dignity of every human being. Dr. Maria Ivone Soares, Member of the Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique, President of the Union for Students Development (UNDE), and Member of the Technical Committee for the Implementation of Inclusive National Dialogue (COTE), commended the AACC for creating a platform that united faith communities, government institutions, and civil society in addressing child trafficking.
Participants examined the links between irregular migration and child trafficking, identifying poverty, unemployment, school dropout, misinformation, and weak child protection systems as key drivers of vulnerability. Experts from the Ministry responsible for Gender, Children and Social Affairs and the Child Network shared practical strategies to strengthen prevention, protection, and community response.
On 30th July, participants joined the global observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons under the theme "Trapped Behind the Scam," taking part in a public awareness march and listening to powerful testimonies from survivors. During a press conference, Rev. Dr. Mwombeki reiterated the AACC's call that "the Church can no longer remain silent in the face of child trafficking," urging churches, governments, civil society, the media, and communities to work together to promote safe migration and end human trafficking in all its forms.
The consultation concluded with renewed commitments from all stakeholders to strengthen child protection, expand community awareness, and build coordinated responses to human trafficking across Africa.
In the photo: Participants march through the streets of Maputo during a public awareness campaign marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. [Courtesy: Laquittissa Tseco]
