Thank you, Chair. Human trafficking is modern-day slave- trading. It entails transporting people away from their communities across continents, countries or regions by threat, the use of violence or deception and enticement, with the intention of taking advantage of them. This trafficking of persons involves adults and children, who are trafficked for sex or for labour.
Globally, trafficking in human beings is the third largest area of organised crime after drugs and arms smuggling. The UN estimates that some 80% of people trafficked are trafficked for sexual exploitation. The global sex industry is an enormous profit-making venture, based on the exploitation of women and children. Unlike drugs, women and children can be sold numerous times over for profit, with the criminals receiving less punishment and shorter sentences than they would for dealing in drugs.
I bring this up specifically at the start of this year's 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign because, according to the UN Agency for International Development, crime syndicates of slave traders are increasing their operations in South Africa. The province hardest hit by this scourge is the Eastern Cape, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, the North West, Limpopo and the Northern Cape.
Organisations involved in investigating cases and providing therapy for victims are extremely concerned at the increased incidence of human trafficking in South Africa and human rights activists are warning that things could get far worse as the 2010 Soccer World Cup draws near and the demand for sex workers increases. A forceful statement needs to be made that South Africans will not allow slave-trading to take place in South Africa. A clear message must go out to foreigners and locals as South Africa gears up for 2010 that we are not prepared to turn a blind eye or, even worse, facilitate the abuse of people through prostitution at any time, including during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
The ACDP calls on government to follow the example of the Republic of China, as they removed all sex workers from the cities where Olympic events were being held and stepped up vigilance to block individuals and vice rings from operating. This will send a signal to those preparing now, that their efforts will be in vain.
The ANC struck a cruel blow to women and children when it disbanded the Scorpions and strengthened the grip of crime syndicates in South Africa. Nevertheless, we urge government to intensify antitrafficking activities, to ensure that dedicated police units are trained to eradicate human traffic operations, and that these units are trained to work closely with NGOs and state social services to adequately assist victims of trafficking.
The ACDP has called on the Minister of Education to urgently facilitate programmes within institutions of learning which will prepare young people to avoid the dangers of being lured by seemingly valid promises of work or reward, only to find themselves abducted and held captive by modern-day slave-traders.
The ACDP calls on government and all politicians to set an example which nations around the world can follow. We must stop modern-day slave-trading in this country. Thank you.