New national human trafficking resource line opens today

Victims of sex trade found on local offshore fishing vessels

NGOs estimate that between 10 and 15 victims of labour trafficking disembark in Cape Town each month.

According to the 2016 Trafficking In Persons Report, South Africa is being used as a source and destination country for victims of forced labour and sex trafficking.

The report shows that an increasing number of Nigerian sex trafficking victims and women forced into domestic work have been discovered aboard fishing vessels in South Africa’s territorial waters.

An increase in foreign men forced into labour has also been found by authorities.

Published this year after being handed to the US Department of State, the report said the South African government had convicted 11 sex traffickers and prosecuted five suspected sex traffickers in 2015 with three convictions and 19 prosecutions in 2014.

Today, a new national human trafficking resource line will be opened to respond to and assist in ultimately eradicating human trafficking in the country.

Operated by global counter-trafficking organisation The A21 Campaign, the resource line will cater to people with questions about human trafficking.

The resource will also provide assistance to people who need to refer a case.

The national line will be able to take calls 24/7 and tipoffs and requests can also be submitted online via their website.

All reports are confidential and callers can remain anonymous.

Katie Modrau, South African development manager for The A21 Campaign, said: “Government has the mandate to assist victims of trafficking, but not the capacity or services to handle it all.

“Civil society offers the services but struggles to get connected with victims. The Resource Line will prevent bottlenecking and ensure the victim is assisted and doesn’t fall through the cracks.”

The national human trafficking resource number is 0800 222 777.

More information about the resource line can be found at: www.0800222777.org.za