A canker like human trafficking requires a pragmatic approach and sophisticated measures to be nabbed in the bud.
It would not be wrong for global heads of state to declare the menace a pandemic due to its negative effects on the economic development of a country and the dire consequences for the victims.
The fight against human trafficking is indeed a civil responsibility for all members of society. It demands collective action, such as governments, communities, and individuals to create awareness, supporting victims, advocating for stronger laws, and staying vigilant are crucial steps in combating this heinous crime. Everyone has a role to play in preventing, identifying, and stopping human trafficking to safeguard the dignity and freedom of all individuals.
In recent years, the harrowing reality of human trafficking has emerged as a pressing global concern, transcending borders, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. It encompasses various forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and organ trafficking, leaving countless lives shattered in its wake.
A concerted effort and high-level collaboration among nations will be sufficient to deal with the perpetrators to curb their child trafficking activities and all heads of state must form a collision to be each other’s keeper as a global community.
The fight against human trafficking is not confined to law enforcement agencies or policymakers alone. It is a cause that necessitates the active involvement and conscientious efforts of every member of society. Hence individuals bear the responsibility to be vigilant, informed, and proactive in addressing this grave injustice.
Every individual has a civic responsibility to help fight the menace of human trafficking and to protect the victims. It is imperative to note that the activities of human trafficking do not only affect individuals at a certain age but include children who severely are subjected to exploitation.
*Child trafficking*
Child trafficking is a canker that deprives children of their rights to education, freedom of movement, as well as freedom of expression whilst the victims are compelled to engage in child labor which is contrary to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) laws under ILO Convention 138 and No. 182.
Experts have described human trafficking as a “modern-day slavery” hence the need for it to be considered as an unpardonable crime and a grave violation of human rights. It is estimated that every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked around the world.
*Data*
The data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), revealed that the demand for cheap labor, sexual services, and certain criminal activities are among the root causes of trafficking, while poverty, the absence of economic opportunities, harmful cultural norms, social attitudes are also some contributing factors. These evil activities affect the physical, psychological, and emotional development of victims. This hinders a nation’s development, undermines human resource development, promotes criminal conduct and corruption in the country. Thus, it must be tackled swiftly in Africa to prevent the vulnerable from being a victim.
To deal decisively with the menace, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has put together an initial Plan of Action to tackle trafficking in persons which outline the most urgent actions to be taken by ECOWAS member states between 2002-2003 with a special focus on criminal justice responses.
Also, the UN in 2010 launched its Global Plan of Action to fight human trafficking, it urged governments of member-states across the world to take coordinated and consistent measures to defeat the practice in order to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on target 8.7.
This, invites nations to, “take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern day slavery in human trafficking, secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and the use of child soldiers, in order to end all forms of child labor by 2025.”
*Effort by Govt*
The efforts made by the Government of Ghana to curb human trafficking include the passage of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694) and its LI 2219, (2015) which subsequently resulted in the establishment of the Human Trafficking Management Board (HTMB) mandated to coordinate all anti human trafficking efforts in the country. The government also adopted a new 2022-2026 National Action Plan (NAP) and an accompanying communications strategy to eliminate Human Trafficking using the 4Ps approach (Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership).
To this end, the Human Trafficking Secretariat of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, mandated to discharge the duties of sensitizing individuals on the impact and ramifications of human trafficking whilst focusing on creating a peaceful environment to accelerate national development. The Secretariat does this by using the 4Ps paradigm approach; Prevention, Protection Prosecution and Partnership. This resulted in the formation of the Anti-Human Trafficking Units in the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and the Economic and Organized Crime Office to support with the protection, prevention, and prosecution of perpetrators which is making tremendous strides in the country.
*Awareness*
There is an urgent need to raise awareness and provide education on the signs and consequences of human trafficking to empower communities to identify and report suspicious activities. Additionally, supporting organizations dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating victims contributes significantly to the cause.
There should be effective implementation of the National Action Plan in order to provide safe environment for all especially the children and the vulnerable.
Human traffickers have become adept at using internet platforms, including social media channels, online marketplace sites, free-standing webpages and all means to recruit victims and adapt the vulnerable. Individuals are to be vigilant in their various business fields, communities and report any suspected human traffickers to the right authorities.
Civil Society organizations (CSOs) and the general public can play a pivotal role in effecting change with advocacy. Hence the urgent need for governments to effectively implement laws and policies aimed at preventing trafficking, prosecuting perpetrators, and providing comprehensive support for survivors. We are convinced that a collective voice amplifying the call for justice can create pressure for systemic reforms to shape policies to curb the menace.
However, the battle against human trafficking doesn’t solely rely on formal structures, Individual actions matter. Being attentive to our surroundings, intervening when witnessing potential trafficking situations, and refusing to support businesses or industries associated with exploitation are crucial steps everyone must take. We cannot lose sight of providing a safe environment, access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities as essential component of the recovery process. This can reduce causes of Human Trafficking.
More importantly, combatting human trafficking demands a multifaceted approach and requires every individual to actively engage in the fight. It is imperative to indicate that the effort whether big or small, contributes to the larger cause of eradicating this abhorrent crime.
We must together, by recognizing our shared responsibility work towards a world where the exploitation of human beings becomes an inconceivable relic of the past as well as punitive measures meted out to the perpetrators to make the commission of the crime costly.
Condoleezza Rice once quoted; ‘Defeating Human Trafficking is a great moral calling of our time!’ It is literally true.
The writer is an Assistant Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
BEATRICE BOAKYE BOATENG
