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Young girls in South African are in danger
Tuesday, 31st January 2012 I For immediate release
Recent occurrences concerning human trafficking in some parts of South Africa, prove that the issue is still rife in the country, says The Salvation Army. Troubled by recent media reports about human trafficking in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Major Margaret Stafford, National Coordinator for the organisation’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Team, said that parents can assist in combating this heinous act by educating their children more about it.
“Children need to be taught about human trafficking and its dangers at a young age,” Major Stafford said. “In the process, they must learn to take precautions.”
“The abuse and exploitation of women and children through any form of human trafficking is an offense against humankind and against God. So much needs to be done in order to help combat human trafficking in South Africa.”
With the intention to strengthen its anti-human trafficking campaign in the country and beyond, The Salvation Army recently initiated a 24-hour toll free hotline number 08000 RESCU (08000 73728).
The toll free hotline is a platform for anyone with tip-offs on all suspected human trafficking cases to report them to The Salvation Army.
Since the inception of this toll free hotline, the church-based organisation has received several calls relating to possible cases of human trafficking, and the SAPS is very responsive in assisting the organisation in its efforts to rescue the victims.
Major Stafford also said that The Salvation Army understands that there are still inequalities between the genders in modern society. As a result, the organisation seeks to promote the protection and support of vulnerable women; recognising that most victims of crimes such as human trafficking and domestic violence are women.
“We have developed numerous programmes to assist women who have been abused and therefore continuously seeks to promote Christian family values, in order to prevent the abuse of women and children,” she said.
Recognising that the fight against human trafficking is closely linked to the fight for social justice, The Salvation Army will continue to address the underlying issues rooted in poverty, unemployment, gender inequality and inadequate education.
“We rebuke human trafficking and abuse of power for the purposes of sexual exploitation or forced labour,” said Major Stafford. “Hence we are determined to maintain and increase, where possible, our efforts to support those affected by poverty and human trafficking.”
The work done by The Salvation Army includes homes for babies and children with HIV/Aids, pre-schools, shelters for the homeless, emergency services, feeding schemes, centres for abused women and children, homes for abandoned children, prevention of human trafficking and assistance to the victims.
The Salvation Army is an international movement and evangelical part of the universal Christian Church and has a professional record in rehabilitating and accommodating trafficking trade victims and addressing social injustice in a systematic, measured, proactive and Christian manner through its International Social Justice Commission.
ISSUED BY QUO VADIS COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE SALVATION ARMY
Media Contact: Ulwazi Mgwadleka
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 083-998-8380
E-mail: click here to email Ulwazi Mgwadleka
Client Contact: Major Margaret Stafford
National Coordinator: Anti-Human Trafficking Task Team
E-mail: click here to email Major Margaret Stafford
Client Contact: Major Carin Holmes
Public Relations Secretary
Tel: 011-718-6745
Cell: 082-994-4351
E-mail: click here to email Major Carin Holmes
