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Shared Hope International News Release
June 17, 2004
Contact: Karrie Delaney
Director of Communications
Tel: 703.351.8062
Karrie@sharedhope.org
INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE STANDS WITH SOUTH AFRICAN LEADERSHIP TO CLOSE THE DOOR ON HUMAN TRAFFICKERS
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - South Africa is one of six countries convening their leadership in the global fight against trafficking in persons. This conference is the fifth follow up event to the world summit originally co-sponsored by the War Against Trafficking Alliance and the U.S. Department of State in February 2003 in Washington, DC. The Next Steps to Path Breaking Strategies in the Global Fight Against Sex Trafficking Conference is sponsored by the War Against Trafficking Alliance and the National Prosecutors Authority (NPA) of the Republic of South Africa.
The War Against Trafficking Alliance was founded by former U.S. Congresswoman and Founding President of Shared Hope International, a non-governmental organization (NGO), Linda Smith. Congresswoman Smith noted, “The South African government has taken considerable strides to close the door on trafficking in their country. The National Task Team carries a significant responsibility in championing their national and localized efforts to ensure the protection of victims and the prosecution of those who prey and profit off of the vulnerable.”
The three-day conference launches the agenda of the newly developed National Task Team to combat trafficking in persons chaired by the National Prosecutors Authority. The National Task Team's mission is to “facilitate a multi-sectoral response and co-operation in the development and implementation of a National Action Plan to prevent trafficking in persons.” Conference participants represent key leaders in government, advocacy and direct services who are meeting with the purpose of creating concrete actions plans for key components of the task team's agenda.
South Africa is a country of origin, destination and transit for victims of trafficking primarily for purposes of prostitution and forced labor. Victims are trafficked from numerous countries to include Thailand, Romania, Mozambique and Lesotho most of which are facilitated by organized crime networks. South African women and children are also victims of this trade and managed by the hands of Nigerian rings. “This event will build upon existing efforts to strengthen capacity for services and momentum of the South African government's efforts. We are here to stand with the South African leadership by joining our purposes in fighting this global trade. It is absolutely necessary for governments and direct service providers to develop a shared vision and capacity if we are going to put a stop to this modern form of slavery,” stated Smith. This ground breaking conference will conclude with the release of a Next Steps document which will be put together by participants at the conclusion of their third day.
Victims of the human trade, often mistaken for illegal immigrants, require special protection measures to ensure they are able to testify against their perpetrators. This, among other rights of the victim, will serve as a framework for building collaborative efforts between government and NGO efforts throughout the sessions.
The program will be launched by Minister Bridgette Mabandla for Justice and Constitutional Development, Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula for Home Affairs and Mr. Bulelani Ngcuka the National Director of Public Prosecutions. International experts from Johns Hopkins University and a US prosecutor will provide analysis of the South Africa draft legislation and share experiences of successful prosecutions of traffickers.
The War Against Trafficking Alliance will also be releasing footage documenting the inside of sex tourism in South Africa. “Leaders in the anti-trafficking movement must strive for balance in their efforts to provide long-term service provision and successful prosecution, conviction and sentencing for those who prey on the vulnerable. I believe this video will shock participants and sustain the good efforts being made to put these predators behind bars.”
Media Note: Press are invited to attend the sessions on Tuesday, June 22nd 10:00 - 12:45 to include the release of the video. A press briefing will follow at 12:45. Registration begins at 9:00 at the Kopanong Hotel & Conference Center.
For additional information please contact Jennifer Goodson with Shared Hope International at 082 858 6336.
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