Africa-Press – Lesotho. Under the project aimed at strengthening border security and migration management, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) handed over border equipment to the
Ministry of Home Affairs at Moshoeshoe 1 airport on Wednesday. This initiative by IOM Border Security and Management Project is funded by the government of Japan and is aimed at addressing irregular migration patterns
through strengthening border and migration management, sensitization on human trafficking and building capacity of law enforcement and border officials in
the country. Two vehicles were handed over to immigration services, a document examination equipment and a boom gate were given to Butha-Buthe and Leribe border posts.
Speaking at the handover ceremony Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan Shuichiro Kawaguchi highlighted their excitement while continuing to contribute towards
strengthening border security and management of Lesotho this year. He said they targeted one of the busiest border posts in Lesotho, Moshoeshoe 1 international
airport, and focused on counter trafficking activities and capacity development of law enforcement and border officials. “A proper border management and
enhancement of border security are critically important for Lesotho to make further developments, as building a safe and stable nation will attract more
foreign investments,” he said. According to Kawaguchi, this is their second project in Lesotho. The first project he said was in 2018 when they developed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
manual which was the first ever migration manual introduced to Lesotho. The manual is currently utilized at all ports of entry in Lesotho. They also donated border equipment to Mafeteng and Qacha’s Nek districts for improving
border security. Meanwhile Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Mokhele Moletsane commended the government of Japan for their generosity. He said the equipment will be of great use in helping Lesotho
fight against trafficking in persons. He also thanked Beautiful Dream Society (BDS) for the role they play in raising awareness on human trafficking. Moletsane
reiterated that the issue of human trafficking needs partnership and therefore urged all stakeholder government departments, government ministries, together
with their development partners, as well as the media and civil organizations to work together and fight human trafficking. “I want to reassure our partners and everybody that I have taken upon myself to commit as a minister in the fight against human trafficking,” he added.
