We are gathered here less than 20 days before the FIFA Soccer World Cup to engage on an issue that threatens to be the dark side of what is otherwise a very memorable period for women and children of our country and the world.
We are very concerned as government about the challenge of human trafficking particularly of women and children for various forms of exploitation. It might as well be that we are unable to finalise the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill for implementation within the 19 days left to the kick-off. This is due to the processes that need to be followed, including public participation process, in the finalising of a bill to an act of Parliament and putting it into effect.
This piece of legislation will certainly strengthening our capacity to deal with cases of human trafficking. However, it does not mean that without it, government is powerless to protect women and children from these violations.
There has already been a breakthrough at the Durban Regional Court where two people, one South African and the other from Thailand, were convicted for human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
The state used racketeering laws related to sexual exploitation including the Sexual Offences Act to convict these two. This case should set precedence for other prosecutors and courts to act firmly on these cases.
Also the Children’s Act which came into effect last month gives the state more authority to protect children. The act provides for the prevention and combating of trafficking in children and attempts to protect and assist the victims of trafficking, with full respect for their human rights.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional security plan has been finalised and cooperation between our law enforcement agency and that several other countries is underway. Border security covering points of entry by land, sea and air is in place and passport control measures have been improved to deal with fraudulent traveling documents.
Government has put in place plans to prevent and deal with cases of abuse of children that may arise as result of the hosting the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. The plans of government include raising community awareness about the risks and establishing care centres and other support services for children in host cities and public viewing areas.
Social work professionals will be deployed at public viewing areas and in all host cities. Interventions include establishing joint national and provincial command centres and ensuring that child and youth care centres are able to receive emergency referrals and placements and have 24 hour services available.
The plan to protect children also includes the deployment of foreign–language interpreters and standby professionals who will provide counseling services to victims, should the need arise.
Justice system has dedicated courts and the South African Police Service personnel are also trained to ensure that the best protection is provided to children. In observing the International Children’s Day on June 01, the Ministry for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities is going to launch the Children’s Rights and Responsibilities Development Programme for 2010 FIFA World Cup and beyond. The main objective of this campaign is to empower children and communities on children’s rights and responsibilities.
The campaign appeals to parents and caregivers to ensure proper supervision of children and take precautionary measures during the extended closure of schools for the mid–term holidays. We must emphasise today that families and communities should speak out on child abuse and neglect, and report such cases to the authorities promptly. Each one of us is bound by the Children’s Act to report cases of violation of children’s rights without delay. You can be liable to prosecution if you fail to report a case of abuse.
As you saw yesterday in Pretoria, President Jacob Zuma launched the Child Protection Week which focuses on safety and well-being of children as we build up to the World Cup. We are working with municipalities to ensure that hotspot areas for rape and other violations of rights of children and women are cleared. Together with the City of Tshwane for example, the ministry is making efforts to establish a park and erecting a memorial at the deserted spot where a mutilated body of young girl (Masego Kgomo) was found in Soshanguve after she had been missing for days in January.
We cannot allow anymore women and children to loose their lives through these barbaric incidents. The right to life is the most basic right we should afford to women, children and persons with disabilities.
As part of the activities for this focus week, the Ministry for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities will be holding community walks to highlight children’s rights and other activities to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and other social problems that might affect children during the world cup.
As you say in you memorandum, I would like us to partner in these campaign. It is our collective responsibility, government and civil society, to work together to raise awareness about the risks facing women and children.
Thank you
Source: Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities
