NELSON MANDELA BAY, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 22: ANCWL supporters picket in support of victims during the rape and human trafficking trial of controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho at the Port Elizabeth High Court on October 22, 2018 in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. Judge Makaula postponed the case after he dismissed an application by Omotosos defence counsel, Peter Daubermann, to recuse himself from the case on an argument that Makaula had been prejudiced, not impartial and had sympathised with state witness Cheryl Zondi when he wished her well for her exams. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Lulama Zenzile)
World Day against Trafficking: How to spot a victim of human trafficking
The Western Cape’s Ministry of Community Safety has called on society to assist law enforcement in identifying and aiding victims of human trafficking.
NELSON MANDELA BAY, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 22: ANCWL supporters picket in support of victims during the rape and human trafficking trial of controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho at the Port Elizabeth High Court on October 22, 2018 in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. Judge Makaula postponed the case after he dismissed an application by Omotosos defence counsel, Peter Daubermann, to recuse himself from the case on an argument that Makaula had been prejudiced, not impartial and had sympathised with state witness Cheryl Zondi when he wished her well for her exams. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Lulama Zenzile)
In commemoration of World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the Ministry of Community Safety has called for more participation from society in identifying and assisting human trafficking victims.
The origins of World Day against Trafficking in Persons
The call for global action against human trafficking came from the United Nations, nine years ago.
The General Assembly adopted the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons as a measure to ensure that governments, worldwide, were taking “coordinated and consistent measures to defeat this scourge.”
“The Plan calls for integrating the fight against human trafficking into the UN’s broader programmes in order to boost development and strengthen security worldwide.
“One of the crucial provisions in the Plan is the establishment of a UN Voluntary Trust Fund for victims of human trafficking, especially women and children.” – The United Nations, World Day against Trafficking in Persons.
The growth of the plan culminated in the adoption of 2015’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, an objective that calls for “an end to human trafficking and violence against children; as well as the need for measures against human trafficking, and they strive for the elimination of all forms of violence against and exploitation of women and girls.”
How to spot a human trafficking victim
In the past week, the Western Cape’s Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, in collaboration with the A21 Campaign, embarked on a media run, spreading awareness about the signs exhibited by most human trafficking victims.
“Targets of human trafficking are typically persons who are the most vulnerable in our society. They may be lured in through false job advertisements, sold by family, seduction, abducted, trafficked by a ‘friend’ or through false immigration,” Fritz said.
According to the Ministry of Community Safety, victims of human trafficking can be identified as they:
- Are controlled by another person and are not free to come and go as they wish;
- Are unpaid paid very little or only paid through tips;
- Exhibit poor mental and physical health including substance abuse, signs of physical abuse or malnourishment;
- Avoid eye contact;
- Have few or no personal possessions;
- Are not permitted to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating); and
- Have a limited ability to speak the local language and have little knowledge of their whereabouts.
Fritz called on people to practice more vigilance when applying for jobs or pursuing opportunities that are too good to be true. He warned that it is a methods used to lure victims into human trafficking.
“If you’ve received a work offer that seems ‘too good to be true’, particularly if it is in a city or country that you are unfamiliar with, it may be in your interest to validate this job offer. This can be done by contacting the Department of Labour,” Fritz said.
