Department of Social Development Strengthens Efforts to Protect Children from Trafficking

By Thabiso Nkuna

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Department of Social Development (DSD) reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking, with a particular focus on protecting children. This announcement came in observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which is held annually on July 30 to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of trafficking victims.

This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of ensuring no child is left behind in the ongoing battle against human trafficking. According to a June 2023 report by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), an estimated 250,000 people in South Africa have fallen victim to human trafficking, highlighting the severe violation of human rights and dignity involved.

“Children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, and they are twice as likely to face violence during trafficking compared to adults,” the DSD stated, citing data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons.

The department highlighted the dual role of modern technology in trafficking, noting that while online platforms can connect children to helpful resources, they also provide traffickers with tools to exploit, recruit, and disseminate exploitative content more effectively.

To counter these threats, the DSD is advocating for enhanced child protection measures, stronger legislation, improved law enforcement, and increased resource allocation to fight child trafficking. Special attention is being called to the root causes of human trafficking, such as poverty and inequality, which increase children’s vulnerability.

South Africa’s role as a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking was underscored, with South Africans being trafficked globally and foreign victims being trafficked through or to South Africa for exploitation in forced labor and sexual exploitation.

The department also described the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act (PACOTIP) of 2013 as a critical tool in South Africa’s legislative arsenal against human trafficking. This act aligns with international agreements to prosecute traffickers, protect victims, and coordinate anti-trafficking efforts.

Gyan Dwarika from the DSD emphasized the significance of the PACOTIP Act, along with the Children’s Act, in safeguarding vulnerable children. “The Act ensures that any child identified as a victim of trafficking is treated as a child in need of care and protection. It mandates immediate reporting and investigation of suspected cases and provides for the safe placement and care of trafficked children,” Dwarika explained.

Comprehensive support and rehabilitation services are offered to victims of child trafficking, including psychological counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and placement in Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs). Community involvement and international cooperation are deemed crucial in both preventing and combating child trafficking, ensuring that repatriation processes align with international standards and prioritize the best interests of the child.