Human Trafficking in Africa: Join the Next AYCPP X Spaces Conversation

The United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI) invites young people, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, civil society actors, and the public to join the next edition of the African Youth Crime Prevention Platform (AYCPP) on X Spaces.

This week's discussion will focus on the Human Trafficking Problem: The African Perspective; a timely conversation examining one of the continent's most pressing transnational crimes and the collective efforts needed to address it.

Human trafficking affects millions of people worldwide, exploiting vulnerabilities created by poverty, conflict, displacement, unemployment, and irregular migration. Combating it requires coordinated action that strengthens prevention, protects victims, promotes justice, and builds public awareness.

Through the #AYCPP, UNAFRI provides a platform for informed dialogue, bringing together experts and young people to exchange ideas and explore practical approaches to contemporary crime and justice issues affecting Africa.

What the Conversation Will Explore

The discussion will examine:

• Emerging trends in human trafficking across Africa.

• Factors that increase vulnerability to trafficking.

• Victim protection and access to justice.

• Regional cooperation and policy responses.

• The role of young people in awareness, prevention, and advocacy.

Meet the Host and Speakers

This week's conversation will be moderated by John Vianny Ayebare, Legal and Research Officer at UNAFRI, who will lead a diverse panel of experts bringing perspectives from law enforcement, human rights, survivor support, legal practice, and regional advocacy.

Speakers

Mercy Otieno (Kenya)

Head of Programmes, HAART Kenya

Mercy works directly with survivors of human trafficking, supporting their recovery through economic empowerment and reintegration. Her work demonstrates how financial independence can help prevent re-exploitation.

Godfrey Mpandikizi (Tanzania)

Executive Director, Tanzania Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Safe Migration Network (TATLI)

A human rights advocate and legal expert with over 13 years of experience, Godfrey has worked extensively to combat human trafficking through survivor-centred approaches, legal aid, strategic litigation, and regional partnerships.

Fortunate Kampire (Uganda/China)

Lawyer

Based in China, Fortunate has engaged with survivors of human trafficking, gaining firsthand insight into the realities of exploitation and the challenges victims face as they rebuild their lives.

CP. Moses Taremwa (Uganda)

Head, Anti-Human Trafficking Department, Uganda Police Force

CP. Taremwa leads Uganda's law enforcement response to trafficking in persons through investigations, multi-agency coordination, and victim-centred interventions.

---

Listen to the Previous Session

Ahead of this week's discussion, catch up on our previous African Youth Crime Prevention Platform conversation: Mob Justice in Africa: Unpacking the Injustices Behind

The previous session explored the drivers of mob justice, its impact on the rule of law and human rights, and the importance of strengthening public confidence in justice institutions while promoting peaceful and lawful responses to crime.

---

Join the Conversation

Whether you are a student, practitioner, policymaker, researcher, or simply interested in justice and community safety, your voice matters.

Join us on X Spaces for another engaging conversation as we explore practical approaches to preventing human trafficking, protecting vulnerable communities, and advancing justice across Africa.

Follow @UNAFRI21 for speaker announcements, reminder links, and future African Youth Crime Prevention Platform discussions.