DSD REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING CHILDREN ON WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

By Precious Mupenzi

• The Department of Social Development (DSD) reaffirms its commitment to combat human trafficking, focusing on safeguarding children as part of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
• The Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act (PACOTIP) of 2013 is a critical legislative tool in South Africa’s fight against human trafficking.
• The DSD emphasises community involvement, international cooperation, and leveraging technology to prevent child trafficking and ensure comprehensive support for victims.

According to the June 2023 publication “Human Trafficking in South Africa” by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), it is estimated that a possible 250,000 people have fallen victim to human trafficking in South Africa alone. This serves as a grave violation of human rights and dignity. On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Department of Social Development (DSD) stands united against this heinous crime.

As the world observes the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July, the DSD reaffirms its dedication to combating human trafficking, with a special focus on safeguarding children. This year’s theme, “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect the most vulnerable members of society from exploitation.

The Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act (PACOTIP) of 2013 is a crucial legislative tool in the fight against human trafficking in South Africa. It provides a comprehensive legal framework to prevent and combat human trafficking, protect and assist victims, and prosecute offenders.

Gyan Dwarika, the Deputy Director responsible for Child Exploitation within the DSD, explains the significance of the PACOTIP Act, in conjunction with the Children’s Act, in safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring their rights and safety are upheld. Apart from child exploitation, Dwarika’s roles within the department include focusing on child labour, commercial sexual exploitation of children, online safety, and child marriages.

“The act ensures that any child identified as a victim of trafficking is treated as a child in need of care and protection, mandates immediate reporting and investigation of suspected cases, and provides for the safe placement and care of trafficked children,” she says.

Dwarika outlines the key provisions of the PACOTIP Act, noting that it requires anyone who suspects a child is a victim of trafficking to report it to the police immediately. The Act also outlines steps for temporary safe care and the assessment of the child’s status as a trafficking victim. Additionally, it includes provisions for the repatriation of foreign child victims, ensuring their safety and considering their best interests before returning them to their country of origin.

Children from impoverished and unstable backgrounds are particularly vulnerable to trafficking. “Traffickers exploit situations such as poverty, lack of education, gender-based violence, and inadequate parental care,” says Dwarika. They often lure children with promises of a better life, education, or material resources, taking advantage of their desperate circumstances.

The South African government, through the DSD, has implemented various measures to prevent child trafficking. The PACOTIP Act aims to align with international agreements and provides for the prosecution of traffickers, protection of victims, and coordination of anti-trafficking efforts. Dwarika highlights the importance of awareness and education programs, which inform communities about the risks and signs of trafficking.

Victims of child trafficking receive comprehensive support and rehabilitation services from the DSD. These include psychological counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and placement in Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs). “Our multidisciplinary team works to assess and address the needs of each child, providing therapeutic programs to help them recover,” explains Dwarika.

Community involvement is crucial in preventing and combating child trafficking. Schools, parents, and local organisations play a vital role in protecting children and reporting suspicious activities. Dwarika emphasises the need for proactive steps to safeguard children, understanding the methods used by traffickers.

Dwarika further explains that international cooperation is essential in tackling transnational trafficking, providing required services, and facilitating the safe repatriation of victims.

“International cooperation strengthens the response to the repatriation process of children trafficked into and out of South Africa. It ensures that children are repatriated safely and in line with international standards, considering factors like the best interests of the child and the safety of the repatriation process,” she adds.

“Partnerships and collaborations between South Africa and international bodies play a crucial role in the fight against child trafficking. The International Social Services (ISS) Directorate within the Department has partnerships and collaborations with countries that are signatories to ISS and Embassies,” Dwarika notes. These partnerships assist in ensuring the care, protection, and repatriation of children in foreign countries, aligning with international agreements on child welfare.

While technology has been exploited by traffickers to lure and control victims, it can also be a powerful tool in the fight against trafficking. The Films and Publications Board monitors online activities to detect and prevent violations. Raising awareness about the risks associated with online interactions is a key preventive measure.

Dwarika expresses hope for a future where collaborative efforts ensure the care, support, and protection of all children. “Parents and communities must understand the methods used by traffickers and take proactive steps to safeguard children,” she says.

This year’s UN theme resonates deeply with South Africa’s ongoing efforts. “Our 365-day child protection programme aligns with this theme, emphasising that every child is important and deserves protection from trafficking and exploitation,” asserts Dwarika.

As the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons approaches, the DSD urges everyone to join the fight against human trafficking. “Children should be protected daily. Parents must enhance their roles in caring for and protecting their children. Every child’s basic needs must be met to prevent vulnerability to trafficking,” concludes Dwarika.

The Department of Social Development remains steadfast in its mission to protect children and eradicate human trafficking, working tirelessly to ensure that no child is left behind.