To mark 5 years since the inception of the Center Trafficking Office of LCCL/SACBC a conference was held at Good Shepherd Centre, Hartebeespoort. Its main purpose was to update ourselves on human trafficking and plan a way forward. The Conference gave an opportunity for participants to share all that had been done in the fight against trafficking.
Human trafficking is regarded as the third most lucrative business in the world and victims from sub-Saharan Africa account for a large number of those trafficked and South Africa the main destination in the SADC region. They are used for prostitution, domestic servitude, agriculture and multi purposes. Women and children are used mainly for purposes of a sexual nature. East Asian victims are regularly found in South Africa. Participants at the Conference reported that often very poor people sell their children to traffickers believing that they will be educated and looked after.
The Conference included a ‘TRUCKERS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING’ campaign. We congratulate ‘FRUIT SPOT’ for being the first Trucking Company to join campaign. A huge truck and driver were blessed during the ceremony. Truckers can play a big part in the campaign safeguarding potential victims and reporting offenders.
The role of the Church is in the pastoral care of Truck drivers who face long, hazardous journeys. Our Church should be seen as the CHURCH ON THE MOVE, with the truckers.
Mr. Rob Riedlinger of Mariannhill Press and the 15 Police Units on the border of the Northern Cape are highly appreciated as a source of strength in our fight against Human Trafficking. Representatives from different African countries, the National Prosecuting Authority, the National Freedom Network and the US Embassy and various other agencies are central to success, in the fight against this evil of our time.
Sr. Melanie O’Connor.
A BOOK REVIEW BY MARY DOYLE
When Melanie asked me if I would read her book and give her some comment, I must admit I felt most reluctant. Sometimes I just can’t face any more of the horrible things people do to each other. I could not very well refuse. Now I am glad she asked!
THE CHURCH AND HUMAN TAFFICKING
This book is part of a Series, but it is way more than that! Melanie, has written from the heart of the fight, as the leader of the SACBC’s campaign against Human Trafficking.
Human Trafficking is a “highly organized, lucrative and hidden business”, whose tentacles reach to the remotest corners of the world.
Through real life stories, Melanie raises our awareness of what is involved. She shows us the plight of countless persons, deceptively recruited, coerced or abducted and held against their will, under conditions of slavery and exploitation.
She describes and analyses the predisposing factors in society for this appalling trade. She has suggestions for further action at all levels of society and Church.
A glance at the contents, the summary the copious notes, this book shows how thorough an exposure this is.
For me the heart and core of the book is Melanie’s call “May your knowledge of the reality of human trafficking compel you to follow Jesus into the dark corners of the earth, to rescue His lost and scattered ones, and to know that to do so is to collaborate with the One whose fierce love for the powerless is stronger than the evil hands into which they have fallen.”
In my opinion this book earns a definite place on the lists of compulsory reading for all priests and religious, for all committed Christians.
I wish there were a prize for which I could nominate it. Well done Melanie!