Africa-Press – Namibia. AMNESTY International’s director for east and southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, says cross-border agreements should consider the needs of women traders.
This comes after Namibia and Botswana agreed on the use of identity documents for citizens of the two countries who cross the Namibia-Botswana borders.
“In the implementation of this agreement, we urge both Botswana and Namibia to take into consideration the needs of women traders who cross the border between the two countries on a regular basis.
“Allowing the free movement of people, goods and services between states in the region is essential for boosting trade and offering greater access to job opportunities,” he said.
Chagutah said the free movement between countries marks the first of its kind in southern Africa and is a step in the right direction.
“In a region where irregular migrants have repeatedly been criminalised, this accord will not only reduce barriers to migration but also increase trade, offering a much-needed economic boost to each country and their people,” he said.
Chagutah said this is needed for the development of informal cross-border traders, especially women, and would hopefully facilitate their work, which is crucial in alleviating poverty and food security in these countries.
“Other nations of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must follow suit and commit to allowing the free movement of people.
“By encouraging greater integration through free movement, the SADC can help to address poverty and inequality by providing greater economic and social mobility to its citizens. Doing so could unlock the massive socio-economic potential of the region by empowering cross-border traders,” he said.
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