The Commission is deeply concerned by the issue of the trafficking of persons, and understands that a number of complexities exist in relation to cross-border and internal trafficking which in turn highlights a number of challenges that have further revealed the interrelatedness of transnational crimes and human rights.

Trafficking in persons is a global phenomenon of epic scale and considered to be the largest source of profits for organised crime, after drugs and guns. According to the United Nations, an estimated 21 million people are victims of forced labour globally. These include victims of human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, children comprise almost a third of all human trafficking victims worldwide, with women and girls comprising 71 percent of human trafficking victims.

The trafficking of persons deeply impacts human rights on multiple levels, with the Commission understanding that the lack of the respect for as well as the lack of the attainment of human rights drives conditions that lead to the trafficking of persons, which in turn violates numerous human rights. Women, children and men who are trafficked are subjected to forced labour, detention, sexual, physical and mental abuse which violates numerous rights as set out in the South African Constitution such as dignity, freedom and security of the person and the right not to be enslaved.

The social, political and economic conditions that enable the trafficking of persons include, but are not limited to; high levels of poverty, unemployment, inequality, low levels of education, a culture of violence, including gender based violence.

The SAHRC, along with other key stakeholders such as DOJ&CD and CWAG APP in the fight against human trafficking will participate in the one day symposium to provide a forum for exchanging lessons, experiences, and best practices to address human trafficking. The symposium aims to discuss potential solutions to combat human trafficking, educate the public and increase public awareness of human trafficking through the ongoing work of key stakeholders.

Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 060 988 3792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.