Children, teenagers and young women are most vulnerable to human trafficking

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – The second largest profit-making crime in the world next to drug trafficking, human trafficking, was discussed at the June meeting of Community Awareness Training (CAT).

There are approximately 27 million people enslaved in the world today.

Guest speaker, Diane Wilkinson from National Freedom Network, spoke to the members of CAT about the dangers of human trafficking and how to avoid getting into this situation.

“Human trafficking is to be deceived or taken against your will, bought, sold and exploited. In other words it’s modern day slavery,” said Diane.

“People are bought and sold for sexual exploitation, forced labour, street crime, domestic servitude or even sale of organs and human sacrifice. Men, women and children are trafficked within their own countries and across international borders.

“Those most vulnerable are children, teenagers, young women, refugees and job seekers. They are preyed upon in various ways and are literally tricked into going somewhere with their traffickers, and subsequently held against their will.

“To prevent being trafficked you need to be aware of what to do to avoid it and if you are offered an attractive job far away from home, in another province or country, be careful, especially if excellent salaries are offered. It may be a modelling contract, waitressing job or a soccer contract. Usually the advert or job offer will say no qualifications required, free housing and will offer to process your visa or work permit. Be aware because victims of trafficking are almost always introduced to the trafficker by someone they know. To ensure a prospective employer is genuine ask for their land line number, be wary of a company which only has a cell phone number or free web-based email address.”

Coordinator of CAT, Sarah Wissler, showed the members DVD’s about human trafficking, which interviewed women who were caught up in this. “These are real women who this has happened to. To protect yourself from being trafficked, travel with contacts and make sure you have the number of your embassy in the country to which you are relocating. Travel with an emergency plan and provide your family with all contact details. Do not give your passport to anyone and know your rights,” Sarah said.

“Share this information with your friends and neighbours and learn to recognise trafficked persons, who are often not able to speak the local language and appear to be trapped in their job or the place they stay.”

If you would like more information on human trafficking or other information about CAT meetings, phone Sarah on 083 256 3453 or email: sarah@glen5ra.co.za