WC Social Development calls on more partners to raise awareness about human trafficking
Tuesday marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on 30 July.
Picture: aklifikritasarim from Pixabay
CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Department of Social Development, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and the non-profit organisation A21 have conducted a joint Trafficking in Persons Awareness Day event at Cape Town's inter-provincial bus terminal.
Tuesday marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on 30 July.
This year's theme is “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”.
According to the United Nations, one in three victims of human trafficking globally, is a child, with children being twice as likely to face violence during trafficking than adults.
During 2023/2024, 13 survivors of human trafficking accessed support services from social development shelters for victims of violence and abuse in the Western Cape.
READ: World Day Against Trafficking: 'More can be done to fight this problem' - criminologist
Social Development MEC, Jaco Londt: "We purposefully chose a high-volume commuter zone because vulnerable people are often trafficked through transportation hubs. Public transport terminals have become hotspots for trafficking activities.
"We wanted to share information with as many people as possible about the dangers of trafficking, what to look out for, and how to report this crime."
Londt has made a call for more partners to join them in raising awareness.
"Trafficking in persons violates our most fundamental human rights. If you see someone who may be in trouble, please report it to the nearest police station or your local DSD office or call 0800 222 777."