Human trafficking needs to be stopped

Trafficking is defined as dealing or trading in something illegal. Trading in human beings is surely the most heinous of illegal trades, and the aim of Human Trafficking Awareness Week from 1 to 7 October is to combat this scourge that preys on the weak and vulnerable. It also marks the time to take a stand against human trafficking.

Also Read:

https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2018/07/12/several-reports-of-human-trafficking-on-west-rand-in-past-two-years/

Human trafficking, though, is a year-round business and every day poses the potential of someone falling prey to modern-day slave traders. Estelle Odendaal from Child Welfare SA Roodepoort shed more light on the subject. She said, ”There are three most common forms of trafficking: forced labour, sex trafficking and debt bondage”. Forced labour generally involves children under the age of 15 being forced into menial jobs, or forced to be beggars. Sex trafficking is the most common where woman, and sometimes men, are traded as mere sexual commodities. Debt bondage involves the victim being exploited for unpaid debt. This could also involve blackmail whereby the victims are threatened with the death of their family, should they not submit.

When asked if South Africa had been dealing sufficiently with human trafficking, Odendaal said, “We live in a country with limited resources. Welfare organisations and even the government departments have a serious lack of resources. We refer to enough vehicles to be able to act immediately when someone reports a situation.” Odendaal also shared a few tips on how not to become a victim. “Do not arrange meetings with online friends without a trusted companion. Do not trust strangers and when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Listen to that little voice that tells you that you feel uncomfortable in a situation.”

Those rescued from being trafficked are often found ill and malnourished, and when attempting to readjust to society, they suffer from deep trust issues and social anxiety. Prevention is better than cure, so the public is urged to always be vigilant. Most importantly, educate children from an early age about the dangers of human trafficking.

Odendaal closed with a strong message. “We want to underline the fact that there is an exchange rate on your child! Let’s stop child trafficking.”