National Human Trafficking Awareness Day – January 11

Seema Naidoo

People are familiar of the slave trade many years ago but not many are aware that slavery to this day exists and in a much larger scale, whereby over 30 million people are trapped in modern-day slavery. Every year thousands more people are exploited by criminals, mainly women and children. Almost every country is either a source, transit point or destination for victims of trafficking.

Trafficking awareness day seeks to end slavery, restore rights of individuals and to make the world a safer place for all.

As globally we work towards dismantling trafficking networks and help survivors rebuild their lives, we must also address the underlying forces that push so many into bondage.

We must develop economies that create legitimate jobs, build a global sense of justice that says no person should ever be exploited, and empower the younger generation so they do not fall victims to this crime.

The horrific injustice of human trafficking, including sex trafficking, child pornography, forced marriages, child brides, child labour, involuntary servitude, and debt bondage.

Hope to Heal Foundation call on every nation, every community, and every individual to fight human trafficking wherever it exists. Report crimes or suspicious behaviours. Let us declare as one that slavery has no place in our communities and this world.

We encourage everyone, from community leaders, business owners and employees, education sector, consumers, tourists, and Faith based organisations to educate themselves and the people around them and help us raise awareness on Human Trafficking.

COVID-19 has opened a breeding ground for criminals, leaving the most vulnerable at risk to be exploited by criminals for profit. We have detected a rise trafficking cases since the Lockdown, whereby refugees in various countries are falling victims of trafficking, Children are exploited into forced labour and young women into sexual exploitation.

We are calling upon State Leaders to intensify efforts to combat human trafficking.

We must not tolerate the inhumane practice of Human Trafficking.  Help us restore peoples most basic rights “Freedom, and Dignity”. 

Communities play a vital role in combatting trafficking by reporting suspicious behaviours. Let us work together to protect and create safer communities and to end human trafficking.

Play your part to bring an end to Modern-Day Slavery and to give Hope to the millions who are trapped against their will and under forced lockdown. We invite you to get involved in the Hope to Heal Foundation Action for Freedom Project. Kindly contact us to find out how you can make a difference to end Human Trafficking. We need an army of support so see visible change in our country and globally.

www.hopetoheal.org.za info@hopetoheal.org.za Telephone: 078 906 7461