EINPRESSWIRE // Scientology and its members are increasingly involved in the fight against human trafficking in a variety of ways. Human rights education and collaboration skills are essential.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, July 20, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ – Scientology and its members are increasingly involved in the fight against human trafficking in a variety of ways, and living examples are being brought to light every day, explained Ivan Arjona, Scientology Representative to the UN, and Africa is a key region for this work. Human trafficking remains an issue of great concern in South Africa as we enter the year 2023. While it is not possible to obtain accurate statistics on human trafficking in the country, research findings indicate that this phenomenon is persistent and various factors contribute to its prevalence. Traffickers often exploit vulnerable people, especially the unemployed and drug addicts, using substances to maintain control over their victims, including children (1). In addition, South Africa is an attractive destination for migrants, including migrants smuggled through organized labor unions. Unfortunately, limited data collection capacities make it difficult to obtain accurate statistics on trafficking. Often, cases of trafficking are misreported as kidnapping, rape or gender-based violence, all of which are widespread in the country (2). This further complicates efforts to effectively combat human trafficking.
Greater impunity in sub-Saharan Africa
According to the latest Global Report on Trafficking in Persons from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia show higher levels of impunity in human trafficking cases. Rates of conviction of traffickers and identification of victims are significantly lower in these regions than in the rest of the world. At the same time, victims originating from these regions are identified in various countries of the world, which testifies to the international nature of the trafficking networks (3).
Major joint operation against human trafficking
A large joint operation to combat human trafficking identified 1,426 potential victims in 44 countries. The operation focused on dismantling organized criminal groups involved in sexual exploitation, forced begging and forced crime. These victims came from various regions, including South America, Asia, Africa, the Western Balkans and Ukraine (4). These operations highlight the transnational nature of human trafficking and the need for international collaboration to effectively combat this crime.
Cases of human trafficking and child labor
In a disturbing case, seven Chinese nationals have been accused of running a factory that traffics in human beings and child labor from Malawi. Such incidents demonstrate the complexity of human trafficking, which involves local and international organized crime actors (5).
The role of the financial sector
Modern slavery and human trafficking continue to pose a threat to Africa, including South Africa. To tackle this problem, the financial sector can play a crucial role. By implementing policies that scrutinize financial transactions and funding sources, banks and financial institutions can help detect and disrupt human trafficking operations (6).
Measures taken by the South African government
Despite difficulties in obtaining accurate data on trafficking, the South African government has taken significant steps to combat human trafficking in the country. One of the notable steps is the launch of the National Policy Framework to Prevent and Combat Trafficking in Persons (NPF) in collaboration with UNODC under the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) initiative (7). This policy framework aims to combat trafficking and smuggling in the country and strengthen cooperation with international partners.
Although the government’s efforts are commendable, the country does not yet fully meet the minimum standards required to effectively combat human trafficking (8)(9). Nevertheless, law enforcement agencies, such as the Johannesburg Police, have worked diligently to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking (10)(11).
The Power of Collaboration, Scientology and Baagi Ba in South Africa
Amidst these challenges, collaboration between different organizations has proven to be a key factor in the fight against human trafficking in South Africa. The A21 South Africa Impact Report 2021 highlights several vulnerabilities including job instability, violence, low level of education, substance abuse, poverty, homelessness, unemployment and isolation. This report highlights the power of collaboration in the fight against human trafficking (12).
An inspiring example of collaboration is the story of Glory Matipile, who uncovered a human trafficking ring preying on young men, women and children after the sudden disappearance of her childhood friend. As a human resources manager, Matipile used her access to information to alert the police, which saved her friend. She went on to establish Baagi Ba South Africa-The Future of South Africa, a non-profit organization aimed at preventing potential victims from becoming easy prey for traffickers and raising awareness of the issue across the country. Through a partnership with Youth for Human Rights, supported by the Church of Scientology, Baagi Ba South Africa works to raise awareness of human rights and protect young people from the risk of becoming victims (13). In fact, as inspired by the founder of Scientology, Ron Hubbard, collaboration is an indispensable tool and attitude if a country is to overcome all challenges, whether created by nature or by man.
Conclusion
In 2023, human trafficking remains a significant problem in South Africa. The country faces several challenges, including recruitment of vulnerable people and limited data collection capacity. Nonetheless, collaborative efforts, national policies such as the National Strategic Framework to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking, and the dedication of organizations such as Baagi Ba South Africa hold out hope for a solution to this critical issue. By raising awareness, enhancing cooperation and implementing measures to disrupt the financial aspects of trafficking networks, South Africa can make significant progress in combating human trafficking and protecting its vulnerable population.
References:
(1) 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: South Africa – Department of State – https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-trafficking-in-persons-report/south-africa
(2) Compassion and Cooperation Key to Addressing Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants in South Africa – UNODC – https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2023/January/compassion-and-cooperation-key-to-addressing-human-trafficking-and-smuggling-of-migrants-in-south-africa.html
(3) UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons: Crises are changing trafficking patterns and hampering victim identification – https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2023/January/global-report-on-trafficking-in-persons-2022.html
(4) Global operation identifies 1,426 potential victims of human trafficking – Interpol – https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/2023/Global-operation-identifies-1-426-potential-victims-of-human-trafficking
(5) South Africa: Seven Chinese Nationals Indicted for Running a Factory That Human Trafficked and Child Labored from Malawi – https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/s-africa-chinese-nationals-human-trafficking-and-child-labour-case-postponed-to-march-2023/
(6) Addressing the Continuing Threat of Modern Slavery in Africa – https://cpr.unu.edu/publications/articles/addressing-threat-modern-slavery-africa.html
(7) South Africa launches national policy framework to prevent and combat trafficking in persons – UNODC – https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/south-africa-launches-prevention-and-combating-of-trafficking-in-persons-national-policy-framework.html
(8) 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: South Africa – Department of State – https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-trafficking-in-persons-report/south-africa
(9) 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report: South Africa – Department of State – https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-trafficking-in-persons-report/south-africa/
(10) Compassion and Cooperation Key to Addressing Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants in South Africa – UNODC – https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2023/January/compassion-and-cooperation-key-to-addressing-human-trafficking-and-smuggling-of-migrants-in-south-africa.html
(11) UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons: Crises are changing trafficking patterns and hampering victim identification – https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2023/January/global-report-on-trafficking-in-persons-2022.html
(12) How to Curb Rising Human Trafficking in South Africa – Fair Observer – https://www.fairobserver.com/region/africa/how-to-curb-rising-human-trafficking-in-south-africa/
(13) Voices for Humanity: Episode featuring Glory Matipile – Scientology Network (Air Date: July 2023) – https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/helping-keep-youth-safe-from-the-menace-of-human-trafficking.html
