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Protecting Victims Of Slavery And Human Trafficking In Africa
The number of trafficking victims worldwide is reported to be in the millions, a number constantly on the rise. Organized criminal groups earn billions of dollars from trafficking and exploiting people – many of whom suffer severe human rights violations.
Trafficked persons are often victims of rape, torture, debt bondage, unlawful confinement and threats against their family or other people close to them.
The demand for cheap labour, sexual services and certain criminal activities are the root causes of trafficking. One third of trafficked persons are minors, according to the IOM.
AU WATCH’S APPROACH TO COUNTER SLAVERY &TRAFFICKING
AU Watch’s goals are to prevent human trafficking and to protect victims from the trade, while offering them options of safe and sustainable reintegration and/or return to their home countries.
Our approach is based on three principles:
• Research and investigating the trade in human beings
• Publicising our work in this field using media and advocacy
• Collaborating with the AU, its Members, local communities and other civil society organisations and sustainability through institutional capacity building of the AU and its Members and African civil society
PREVENTION
Prevention is always better than cure.We work to educate the public about human trafficking, encourage people to report suspected cases, and equip vulnerable populations with the information necessary to better protect themselves from the recruitment tactics of traffickers.
And that is where our education and media work come in. We write curriculums, syllabuses and books on slavery and trafficking.
Our Radio &Podcast
AU Watch radio reaches listeners with an easy-to-understand, friendly approach. High interest topics include the latest news as well as information about “backway travel”, trafficking and slavery. Journalist Hauwa Ceesay, is hosting the weekly two-hour-long program.
He and co-host Tetteh Mensah, a 20-year radio veteran, educate and enlighten audiences every week. Our Judicial and Human Rights Centre broadens the radio conversation, and millions are reached on Facebook and Twitter, using the hashtag #saynotoslaveryRadio.
Our podcasts are available for download to radio stations and media outlets. To receive the hour-long program and/or the 60-second segments, please contact Liz Kagbo: [email protected].
Here is the Say No To Slavery Radio Show Clock.
Become a News Network Member
If you are a member of a media organization and want additional multimedia consumer materials, you can download this content at no cost by becoming a member of the #saynotoslaveryRadio. If interested, please contact Evelyn Dempha at: Evelyn demha&au-watch.org. Your brief application will be reviewed in a timely fashion and you will need to certify that this Public Affairs information will be used to educate the public.
DIRECT ASSISTANCE
We are working with the AU and its Members, and setting up systems to offer direct assistance to victims of slavery and trafficking. This includes safe housing, and both medical and psychosocial support.
We are also providing skills development and vocational training, and the options of voluntary, safe and dignified return to countries of origin, integration in the country of destination, or resettlement to third countries when needed.
