Backgrounder

Human Trafficking  

WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

When we refer to human trafficking, we are not talking about roads, transport, drugs or weapons. Rather, we are talking about people. Trafficking involves the selling of human beings into prostitution, domestic work, sweatshop labour, begging, organ trade, mail order brides, camel jockeying, armies and child forced marriages.

The United States Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, 2000, recognises trafficking as a "modern form of slavery". It is an issue without borders and requires urgent action both on the part of state and civil society.

The following statistics highlight the extent of the problem: · The global trafficking industry generates up to US$7 billion each year through the inhuman trade (UNIFEM, SARO) · Nearly 2 million children are abused and trafficked globally each year (Situation Report, India) · 5,000-7,000 Nepali girls are trafficked to India every year (Study by Maiti, Nepal) · In Thailand, the NGO ECPAT (End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism) estimates that there are 200,000 prostituted children.

WHY ARE PEOPLE BEING TRAFFICKED?

The fundamental reason why trafficking exists is because of poverty. Traffickers convince those suffering under conditions of poverty that they will have better lives, good jobs and plenty of money. In reality, life for those who are trafficked is very difficult. Women and children will often be cold and hungry and very frightened of their bosses. They work very long hours and are often subjected to the worst forms of human rights abuses.

Women and children are often sold into brothels and sweatshops by their parents, husbands, male relatives or village elders.

IS TRAFFICKING ILLEGAL? 

Trafficking is illegal, both by most national and international laws. The following are some examples of the many conventions and declarations written on this issue. · The UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others, 1949 states that " ...prostitution is incompatible with the dignity and worth of the human person." · The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, 1979 - Article 6 obliges State parties to take all measures including legislation to suppress all forms of trafficking women. · The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989 - Articles 34 and 35 indicate that State parties take all appropriate national, bilateral and multilateral measures to prevent the abduction, sale or trafficking of children for any purpose or in any form. Article 39 ensures that the State take all appropriate measures to promote the physical and psychological recovery and social re-integration of a child victim from any form of neglect. · The SAARC (South Asia Association for Regional Co-operation) Convention on Preventing and Combating the Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution was signed in 2002. While governments acknowledge that trafficking does happen, the problem is too deep-seated to be stopped simply by passing legislation. One of the greatest problems is the prevalent attitude of men that women and children are inferior and that violence against them is permissible.

WHAT ARE SOME SOLUTIONS?

Much work has been done in the area of prevention. One of the key programmes is raising awareness. Awareness-raising happens at many levels. Firstly, it is vital at the village level. As many in rural villages are illiterate, theatre groups and national radio programmes are able to warn of the serious dangers of trafficking. Other important initiatives include special programmes for improving the status of the girl child and education and care for children of women in prostitution.

It is also important to raise awareness about trafficking amongst the government, police and law enforcement agencies, medical profession and the media. Each of these groups plays a key role in both the prevention of trafficking and the re-integration of those who have been trafficked. People who have been trafficked and escape are called survivors as opposed to victims. Some survivors are taking on the role of educating these groups about the need for support and sensitivity. It is vital that the survivor is not blamed for being trafficked.

ACTIVITIES 

· Why do you think it is important to involve survivors in educating different groups about trafficking? 
· The raising of awareness about the dangers of trafficking is really important. When you are living in poverty, it is very easy to believe stories promising a better life. 

a) Design and perform a short role play alerting people in a rural village to the realities and dangers of trafficking OR 
b) Write a radio announcement alerting people in a rural village to the realities and dangers of trafficking

· Visit the SAARC website. Under the heading SAARC News Watch, select: " Eleventh SAARC Summit held in Kathmandu, 6th January." Then select "SAARC Convention on Preventing and combating the Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution." Answer the following questions: 
1. List the seven countries that make up SAARC. (Hint: Refer to Brief on SAARC) 
2. Why was SAARC established? (Hint: Refer to Brief on SAARC) Read the convention: 
3. What is meant by "Protective home"? 
4. What is meant by repatriation?

· Visit the ECPAT Australia website: www.ecpat.org Answer the following questions: 
1. What new organisation has ECPAT being incorporated into? 
2. What is the purpose of ECPAT? 
3. List three examples of the type of work that ECPAT Australia is involved in. 
4. Select one of ECPAT Australia´s objectives. Explain in your own words why this objective is so important. 
5. How many young Australians are involved in sex work for survival? (Hint: Go to Press Releases, 28th November 2001) 
6. How does Natalya believe these young Australians involved in sex work be helped? (Hint: Go to Press Releases, 28th November 2001) 
7. Why do you think some young Australians are forced into sex work for survival?

WHAT CAN YOU DO? 

· Raise awareness within your school or local community about sweatshop labour, child prostitution and other forms of trafficking. 
· Caritas Australia has programmes in South Asian countries that work to raise awareness and prevent trafficking. Re-integration programmes provide shelter for returned trafficked women and children, as well as legal aid, health services, trauma counselling, skills training and education. Caritas Australia is also involved in advocacy work in the area of trafficking. 

Please contact Caritas Australia for more information. Ph: (02) 9956 5799