Mozambique has become the 46th country in the world and the 15th in Africa to join the Blue Heart Campaign, a global initiative by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that mobilizes governments, the private sector, and civil society to prevent and combat human trafficking.
According to a UNODC statement, the country’s accession was formalized on Wednesday, July 30th, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, by the Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Mateus Saíze, and the UNODC Head of Office in Mozambique, Antonio De Vivo. The event was also attended by Deputy Attorney General Amabélia Chuquela and Øystein Evenstad, representative of the Norwegian Embassy, a country that provides technical support for anti-trafficking efforts in Mozambique.
“May the Blue Heart, now shining in Mozambique, be a symbol of hope, protection, and justice for all,” declared the Minister, emphasizing that by joining the campaign, the government is reaffirming its high-level institutional commitment and publicly declaring its determination to prevent, combat, and eradicate all forms of human exploitation.
Antonio De Vivo from UNODC called the moment “particularly special for Mozambique,” celebrating the country’s milestone in joining the campaign.
According to the UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2024, 74% of detected cases involve organized crime networks. The report highlights a rise in forced labor, now accounting for 42% of victims, and an increase in trafficking for forced criminal activities, which has grown from 1% a decade ago to 8% today. The organization also warns of traffickers’ use of digital platforms and technology, such as fake job offers or dating apps, to lure victims.
In Mozambique, the risk of trafficking increases in the context of natural disasters and armed conflicts, which create vulnerable conditions exploited by criminal networks.
In July 2025, Mozambique intensified awareness efforts through the National Reference Group on Human Trafficking, with UNODC support. The campaign took place in several secondary schools and bus terminals, featuring talks and the distribution of materials on warning signs. A legal aid fair was also held in Maputo, where citizens could access legal assistance.
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics, represented by Joelma Dade, also participated in the awareness activities, highlighting that the lack of identification documents may indicate control by traffickers.
Source: Diário Económico
