ZIMBABWE- Members of the MDC-T Party which is the main opposition in Zimbabwe has demanded that government take action to stem the growing problem of human trafficking.

Speaking about the party’s position on the matter, its Home Affairs spokesperson, Senator Lilian Timveos said:  "We are appealing to the government to comply with international protocols to end human trafficking.

"Already, Zimbabwe has been placed on watch lists by the United States, United Kingdom and Canada for being a major source and transit country for human traffickers.

"We are deeply shocked by these developments as they affect mostly victims of past episodes of political violence, in particular MDC supporters.”

Speaking further, Timveos said concrete steps were needed to end trafficking.

"This includes training our police forces to handle this menace and educating nationals on how to protect themselves from the scourge.

"We are well aware of the need by many people to escape looming economic collapse and human rights abuses, but we urge caution when you decide to cross borders in search of better opportunities," said Tmveos.

Last week President Robert Mugabe announced the establishment of an anti-trafficking inter-ministerial committee in compliance with an international treaty signed by Zimbabwe to curb human tracking.

"The Anti-trafficking Inter ministerial shall be composed of a member in the senior grade from the ministry of Home Affairs who shall be appointed as a chairperson by the minister," Mugabe said according to the Government Gazette.

The committee is charged with preventing, suppressing and punishing trafficking of persons, especially women and children in line with the United Nations Convention against transitional organised crime.

In 1998, the United Nations general assembly approved the adoption of the convention against human trafficking, but Zimbabwe was yet to domestic it and makes it an enforceable law.

"The purpose of the committee, to prevent and combat trafficking in persons paying attention to women and children and to protect and assists victims of such trafficking, with full respect for their human rights," the notice in the gazette added.