Ethiopia launches first national anti-trafficking hotline to protect vulnerable individuals

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Justice, with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has launched the country’s first national anti-trafficking hotline. 

The hotline, accessible through the short code 8797, is a toll-free service available nationwide in four languages: Amharic, Afan Oromo, English and Tigrigna. The hotline provides vital information on safe migration, the risks of irregular migration including trafficking in persons, as well as mental health and psychosocial support, access to free legal aid, and referrals for victims. 

High-level government officials, including the State Minister of the Ministry of Justice, IOM’s Chief of Mission, representatives from international organizations and the diplomatic community, civil society, survivor-led organizations, and media houses attended the launch ceremony. The event featured a musical performance and a short play by a survivor organization, a presentation on the hotline’s establishment and future plans, and a panel discussion with prominent hotline operators and counter-trafficking experts. 

“The hotline is a strategic tool that will strengthen Ethiopia’s efforts in combatting human trafficking and protecting vulnerable migrants,” said H.E Belayhun Yirga, State Minister of the Ministry of Justice. 

“This hotline isn’t just a number; it is a lifeline for victims, a beacon of hope for survivors, a powerful tool in our fight to end human trafficking, and a bridge to safety, support, and justice,” said Abibatou Wane, IOM Ethiopia Chief of Mission. 

To ensure its effective operation, IOM Ethiopia has supported the development of an anti-trafficking hotline management handbook and training manual for hotline experts. Additionally, the hotline is integrated with existing services providing health information, counseling for survivors of gender-based violence, legal aid for women, and law enforcement hotlines. This collaboration enhances the hotline’s capacity to address a broad range of cases through referrals and coordinated efforts. The hotline is also directly linked to the National Referral Mechanism and National Partnership Coalition coordination structure of the Government of Ethiopia. 

In Ethiopia, IOM continues to work closely with the government to strengthen migration governance, enhance protection mechanisms for vulnerable individuals, and support national efforts to combat human trafficking.