Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has called for stronger national vigilance against human trafficking,
saying Eswatini must continue strengthening its legal framework, institutions and partnerships as traffickers adopt increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit vulnerable people.
In a detailed statement issued a day before the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Prime Minister outlined Government’s broader strategy to combat trafficking, 
describing the crime as a serious violation of human rights that threatens lives, families and national development.
He said while trafficking has traditionally been associated with forced labour and sexual exploitation,
criminal networks are increasingly targeting victims for forced criminality, particularly through sophisticated international scams that promise employment opportunities before trapping victims into illegal activities.
Dlamini said Eswatini remains committed to implementing the People Trafficking and People Smuggling (Prohibition) Act while continuously reviewing the country’s National Strategic Framework and Action Plan to ensure it responds effectively to emerging trafficking trends.
He said Government continues to strengthen the Secretariat for the Prevention of People Trafficking and People Smuggling and the National Multi-Sectoral Task Force,
which coordinates the country’s anti-trafficking efforts by bringing together government ministries, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and development partners.
The Prime Minister said Eswatini’s response is also anchored on international cooperation through regional and global frameworks, recognising that trafficking is a transnational crime requiring coordinated action beyond national borders.
He added that Government continues to invest in public awareness campaigns, capacity-building for frontline officers,
victim identification systems and survivor support services while strengthening investigations and prosecutions.
Dlamini commended the Royal Eswatini Police Service, immigration officials, prosecutors, social workers, healthcare professionals,
traditional leaders and community structures for their contribution to combating trafficking, saying protecting vulnerable people requires a whole-of-society approach.
He urged members of the public to remain alert to suspicious recruitment offers, scholarships and travel opportunities, stressing that prevention begins with verifying information before accepting overseas opportunities.
The Prime Minister said Government would continue working with regional and international partners to strengthen prevention,
protect victims and ensure traffickers are prosecuted, while building a society in which every person can live free from exploitation and abuse.
