The Need for Human Trafficking Policy

Traffi cking in persons is a complex, multidimensional, multisectoral, illicit industry affecting both individuals and nations across the globe. In addition to being an issue of international and criminal law, traffi cking affects human rights, labour, migration, public health, socio-economic development and morality. In recent years, South Africa has undertaken the formulation of Traffi cking in Persons legislation. Despite the evidence that traffi cking affects most countries in the world and is a growing illicit industry with devastating impacts, very few African countries have policy related to Traffi cking in Persons. In an attempt to contribute towards the creation of human traffi cking policy, this policy paper includes concrete recommendations that should be considered concerning prevention, protection and prosecution.